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ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY 



ALL - OF - A - SUDDEN 
PEGGY 

A Light Comedy in Three Acts 



By 
ERNEST DENNY 



Author of "Man Proposes," etc., etc. 



Copyright, 1910, bv Samuel French, Ltd 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH Ltd 

26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 



,Ku.n, 



\'^ 



IB 



Any costumes or wigs required in the performance of 
" AU-of-a-Sudden-Peggy " may be hired or pur- 
chased reasonably from Messrs. C. H. Fox, Ltd., 
27, WelHngton Street, Strand, London. 

Arrangements for scenery can also be made with 
this firm. 



CI.D 22409 



Originally produced at the Duke of York's Theatre, London, 
on Tuesday, February 27, 1906 ; and afterwards at the Bijou 
Theatre, New York, on Monday, February 11, 1907. 

The following is a copy of the first night's programme : — 

On Tuesday Evening, February 27, at 8.30 o'clock, Charles 
Frohman will present " All-of-a-Sudden Peggy," a Comedy 
in Three Acts. By Ernest Denny. 

Anthony, Lord Crackenthorpe . Mr. Eric Lewis. 

(Fellow of the Entomological Society) 
The Hon. Jimmy Keppel .... Mr. Gerald du Maurier . 

(his Brother) 
Major Archie Phipps (retired) . . 3Ir. Alfred Bishop. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe's Brother) 

Jack Menzies Mr. Charles Bryant. 

Parker Mr. Clayton Greene. 

(Footman at Hawkhurst) 
Lucas Mr. Richard Haigh. 

(Manservant at Jimmy's Flat) 
Lady Crackenthorpe Miss Kate Serjeantson. 

(Lord Crackenthorpe's Mother) 

The Hon. Millicent Keppel . . Miss Beatrice Beckley. 

The Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun . . . Miss Ethel. Matthews. 

Mrs. O'Mara Miss Florence Wood. 

(Widow of Professor O'Mara, F.R.S.) 
and 
Peggy Miss Marie Tempest. 

(her Daughter) 



Act L " The Suddenness of Peggy." 

The White Hall at Hawkhurst, Lord Crackenthorpe' s 
Country House. 

Act IL " The Suddenness of Consequences." 

At Jimmy Keppel' s Flat in London, a week later. 

Act IIL " The Consequences of Suddenness." 

The White Hall at Hawkhurst, on the evening of the 
same day. 



The original cast of the American production of the play at 
the Bijou Theatre, New York, on Monday, February 11, 1907, 
was as follows : — 

Anthony, Lord Crackenthorpe . Ernest Stallard. 

The Hon. Jimmy Keppel .... Frank Gilmore. 

Jack Menzies Addison Pitt. 

Parker C. A. Chandos. 

Lucas Jph^i Marble. 

Lady Crackenthorpe Kate Meek. 

The Hon. Mellicent Keppel . . Jane Marbury. 

The Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun . . . Ann Warrington. 

Mrs. O'Maea Ida Waterman. 

and 

Peggy . . Henrietta Crosman. 



ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY 

ACT I. 

The Scene is the Hall at HaivJchurst, Lord Cracken- 
thorpe's Country House, in Surrey. 

Backing of trees seen through window. 
Door 
i I I Window I 



Archway 



under 
Balcony 



under Balcony 



Balcony 



Archway 



Stairs 



I [chair 



I Piano 




Door 



n-1 

Chair 



Chair 

n 

Table 

n O n 



Door 



Chair 



Chair 



Fire- 
place 



Hat- 
stand 



Sofa O 

Footstool 

^ n 

Chair 



Plan of Scene for Acts I. and III. 

N.B. — The above Staircase and Balcony are not essential, and for 
Amateur performances one simple archway opening at back can 
be substituted, with narrow platform (two steps up from stage) 
to suggest landing, with exits R and L as below : — 
Window 



Exit 



Platform 
Steps 



J 



Door 



Archway Opening 

Furnitm-e Arranged 
as above 



; 



Exit 



Fire 
Place 



< 



8 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

The Hall is furnished comfortably like a room, with 
antique furniture. Folding doors into outer lohhy, 
R. Big old-fashioned fireflace, l. (with high fender), 
over which is a long shelf of old books. The staircase 
curves round, as shoivn in sketch, and ends in land- 
ing, from which there is an exit through an archway. 
A big mullioned window, with leaded 'panes, on land- 
ing, and another under landing, which lights the Hall 
itself. On both are stained-glass armorial bearings. 
A back-cloth of trees and garden are seen through these 
windows. Rugs and skins on the floor, and a suit 
of armour at foot of stairs. Settee and table, c. 

{When the curtain goes up. Lady Ceackenthoepe is- 
discovered nodding, on the settee. She is a severe, 
elderly lady with white hair and a prominent " Duke 
of Wellington " nose, and a hard, haughty, unsym- 
pathetic manner. Enter Millicent Keppel through 
folding doors, e. She is a fresh, healthy -looking girl 
of 20. She has a bag of golf clubs.) 
Millicent {as she bursts into the hall) Has 

Jimmy come yet ? {she goes up and throws her golf 

clubs down with a clatter in corner up n.) 

Lady Ceackenthoepe. [waking with a start and 

looking round at Milly) Good gracious ! 

Millicent. {still up stage pulling off gloves) 

Why, mother, you don't mean to say you actually 

dared to go to sleep ? 

{Enter Parker through upper door, l. He is in livery 
and carries a silver tray, on ivhich is a plate covered 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 9 

ivith a silver dish cover. He crosses r. to stairs, 
in front of Milly.) 

MiLLiCENT. {coming down c. arid 'pointing) Why, 
where are you taking that, Parker ? 

Parker, {stopping r. near foot of stairs and turn- 
ing) To his lordship's study, miss. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising) Oh, there must 
be some mistake, Parker. Lord Crackenthorpe can't 
have ordered anything to eat at this time in the 
afternoon. 

Parker, {stiffly) Beg pardon, my lady, but this 
is not anythink for 'is lordship to eat,— leastwise, I 
presoom not, my lady. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Then why that dish 
cover ? 

MiLLiCENT. {crossing r. to Parker and going to 
lift cover) Yes, what's underneath ? 

Parker, {with an immovable face) A spider, 
miss. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe and Millicent both give a 
startled cry.) 

Millicent. A spider ? {shrinking back) Ugh ? 
Take it away ! Take it away ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. A spider ? . . . There ? 
. . . What's the meaning of this, Parker ? 

Parker. The under 'ousemaid found it in 'er 
second 'elping of pudding in the servant's 'all, my 
lady. This is 'er plate, my lady. 



10 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. What ? . . . Then take 
it back to the kitchen at once. 

Parker. Beg pardon, my lady, but we 'ave strict 
orders to take all spiders we find to 'is lordship's 
study, my lady, an' this is an unusual large one, my 
lady, otherwise the under 'ousemaid might have 
swal — er — mightn't 'ave noticed it, my lady. 

(Millicent laughs and turns up, and takes off her 
hat and jacket and puts on table at back.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (with a slight shudder) 
Oh, very well, if those are Lord Crackenthorpe's 
orders, [sits on settee, l.) 

Parker. They're his strict orders, my lady. 

{He goes up the stairs with great dignity, holding the 
silver tray and contents in front of him, crosses land- 
ing at head of stairs and exit l.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) Oh-h-h ! An- 
thony and those wretched spiders of his ! What 
possessed him to take up such a weird hobby ? He'd 
never have got into the clutches of these O'Mara 
people, if he hadn't. 

Millicent. {coming down to table c, suddenly) 
By the way, I suppose Anthony's alone, mother ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh yes, he's safe, for the 
moment. 

Millicent. Oh, then Peggy O'Mara's out ? {sits 
sideways on table c.) 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 11 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Yes, thank Heaven, and 
her mother too. Do you think I should have ven- 
tured to go to sleep if they were in ? {groaning) 
Oh, it's like living on the edge of a volcano. 

MiLLiCENT. (laughing) It's more hke sitting on 
the top of one, to prevent it going off. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {groaning) Since those 
awful O'Maras came to stay in this house, I— well, 
I can't breathe properly, in anything but a tea-gown, 
{rises and crosses agitatedly to fireplace) 

MiLLiCENT. {sliding off the table) Well then, I 
should have a couple of frocks let out a bit, if I were 
you, mother, — just for days when the " volcano " is 
unusually fizzy, don't you know. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning sharply) Milli- 
cent, how can you be so flippant when any moment 
I may be — be turned into a dowager, (groaning) 
Oh, if only Anthony had been a girl ! 

MiLLiCENT. (ivith a ivicked little chuckle) Yes, 
he'd never have known the difference, (shaking her 
head at Lady Crackenthorpe) It was really rather 
careless of you, mother, (she turns and goes up to 
window at hack) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (severely) Millicent ! 

MiLLiCENT. (looking out of windoiv) Oh, here's 
Uncle Archie, (laughs and turns) He doesn't seem 
to object to Peggy O'Mara. You should have seen 
him with her on the golf links this afternoon. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Wliat ? (indignantly) 
And he was supposed to be keeping his eye on An- 



12 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act L 

thony. Oh-h-h ! There's no trusting Arcliie where 
there's a petticoat. 

MiLLiCENT. {coming down, laughing) Oh, he'lt 
make out that it was {imitating) " all for the good o* 
the fam'ly," just you see if he doesn't. 

{Enter Major Archie Phipps through door down l. 
He is a tall, ivell-preserved, aristocratic ex-cavalry 
officer of 5b. He has a prominent " Wellington '* 
nose, and wears a white drooping cavalry moustache, 
and his grey hair is distinctively thin on the top and 
carefully arranged to cover as much as possible. 
He is smartly dressed in tweeds, a tightly fitting tail 
coat, rather tight trousers, and ivears lohite spats, 
a single eyeglass, and a square-topped grey felt hat. 
He has been a " dog " in his day, and still is jaunty 
and rakish.) 

Archie, {looking round) Oh ! so Jimmy's not 
turned up yet. {^putting hat and stick on hatstand 
doivn R.) No fresh developments while I've been 
off duty, — what ? 

MiLLiCENT. {leaning over table c, quizzically) 
" 0§ "duty, Uncle Archie, you looked as though you 
were on duty, with Peggy O'Mara, this afternoon. 

Archie, {completely taken aback) Eh — what ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) How could 
you go out with that girl, Archie ? 

Archie, {taking cheroot from case, a little confused 
and guilty) Eh — what ? . . . W-well, dash it all, 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 13 

I— er — well, — it was all for the good o' tlie fam'ly, 
Charlotte, 'pon my soul it was. 

MiLLiCENT. {laughing and clapping her hands) 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! What did I say ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (sharply to Archie) Kub- 
bish ! How could it be ? 

Archie, (lighting cheroot) Why, don't ye see, I — 
I was just keepin' her out of Anthony's way, until 
Jimmy came. Abs'lutely part of our plan o' cam- 
paign. 

Millicent. (sharply) Why, what's that ? . . . 
What's Jimmy got to do with Peggy O'Mara ? 

(Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe exchange glances 
and at that moment the " toot " of a motor-horn is 
heard, off.) 

Archie. Hello, by Jove ! That'll he Jimmy, I 
should think. 

(Millicent turns and runs to tvindow at hack, followed 
hy Archie.) 

Millicent. (at windoiv, looking out) It is, on 
Jack Menzies' motor. 

(She ivaves her hand, and rushes across and off through 
hall door r.) 
(Lady Crackenthorpe sits on settee.) 

Archie, (glancing at door, and coming down to 
Lady Crackenthorpe) I say, I suppose you'll 
tackle Jimmy about this, Charlotte ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Well, seeing it was your 



14 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

idea, Archie, I think it would come best from you. 
Besides, — well, this is not a very nice scheme of yours, 
you know. 

Archie. Eh, what ? Oh, come, Charlotte, when 
we're in a tight place like this, we can't stick at trifles ; 
besides, well — it's all for the good o' the fam'ly. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {drihj) Not forgetting 
yourself, Archie. 

Archie. Eh ? {fulling his moustache) Yaas, 
yaas, of course, {hastily glancing at door) By the 
way, speakin' of myself, Charlotte, you don't happen 
to have a spare fiver about you, do you ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. What, again, Archie ? 
{sighing) What is it now ? 

Archie. Well, ye see, I want to run up to town 
this afternoon — to {he avoids her eye, and puffs his 
cheroot) — to see my — er — my dentist. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {sceptically) H'm I That's 
the third visit to your " dentist " in a fortnight. 

(Archie avoids her eye, coughs and puffs his cheroot 
furiously.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {ivarningly) You'd better 
persuade Jimmy to help us, Archie. If that O'Mara 
girl does catch Anthony, it's good-bye to Hawkhurst 

for both you and me, and then you {drily) 

well, you'll have to find a less expensive — dentist. 

{Motor is heard fust outside r. and Parker enters l. 
and crosses to folding doors r., and goes out, and voices 
are heard in the hall, off R.) 



Act I.] ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 15 

Jimmy, {off) Yes, that's my bag, Parker — come 
in, Jack. 

{Enter Jimmy Keppel, he is a bronzed, good-looking 
tnan of about 35. He is tvearing a tweed suit and a 
light overcoat and cap, and is very dusty. He is 
foUoived by Jack Menzies, a young man about 
Jimmy's age, who comes in talking to Millicent. 
Parker follows carrying suit-case, tvhich he places 
on chair l. of writing-table at back.) 
Archie, {cheerily to Jimmy) Hullo, had a good 
run down ? {shakes hatids with Menzies) 

Jimmy, {taking off overcoat and giving it to Parker) 
'Bit too much dust, {crosses and kisses Lady Crack- 
enthorpe lightly) Well, mater, here I am, according 
to orders, {the^i crosses to Millicent above table and 
kisses her) Well, Milly, old girl, how are you ? 

(Jack Menzies crosses l. to Lady Crackenthorpe.) 

Jack. How d'you do, Lady Crackenthorpe ? 
{shakes hands) 

Jimmy, {putting his foot on chair l. of table c. 
and dusting his boot) Well, what's all this about 
Anthony, mater ? 

(Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe exchange hasty 
glances, and Archie looks up at ceiling and either 
sings, softly, or whistles, a snatch of a song.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {hastily turning the con- 
versation) Oh — er — how's your uncle, Mr. Menzies ? 
Jack. Just about the same, thanks. 



16 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Jimmy, {dusting his clothes) He always is, worse 
luck! 

MiLLiCENT. Jimmy, you mustn't say such dread- 
ful things. 

Jimmy. You'd say a long sight more dreadful things 
if you'd to chuck away your best years on a rotten tea 
plantation in Ceylon, as I have, when I might have 
a comfortable shop at home here, but for that miserly 
old 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Hush, Jimmy ! 

Archie, {to Jimmy) Buck up, my dear feller, 
Jack'll see you get that land-agent's billet, all right. 

Jack, {crossing r. to Jimmy and fatting him on 
hack) Jimmy knows that. Directly I come into 
the property, I'll cable for him to come the next day. 

{Slight pause, Archie sings — or ivhisiles — again and 
looks at ceiling.) 

Jack, {looking round) Well, I'll be movin'. {to 
Lady Crackenthorpe) Just goin' to motor over 
and see the old man as I'm so near, Lady Cracken- 
thorpe ; and, besides, I see you all want to talk. 

Omnes. {in polite protest) Oh, no, no ! 

Archie. Not a bit, my dear feller, don't hurry, — 
{moving hastily to door r.) — er — shall I let you out ? 

Jack, {crossing r.) No, don't move anybody, I'm 
coming in on my way back. Shan't be long. 

Jimmy. Good man ! 

(Jimmy follows him to door, and exit Jack after a 
general nod to everybody. Jimmy stands watching 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 17 

him off at o-pen door. Archie crosses to hack of 
table c.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning to Jimmy) Well, 
so you got my letter, Jimmy ? 

/iMMY, {turning, laughing) 'Should think I did. 
'Funniest thing I've heard for a long time. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe starts and frowns at him in 
sur 'prise.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {coldly and severely) Did 
you read all my letter, James ? 

Jimmy. Lord, yes. {chuckles again and sits on 
chair r. of c. table) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Then can't you realize 
what is taking place ? 

Jimmy. Well, I can't realize it, but you say this 
Miss What's-her-name — Peggy O'Mara, is running old 
Anthony to earth, — what ? 

MiLLiCENT. {sitting on table above Jimmy) No, 
Jimmy, it's her mother who's doing it, I say. 

Jimmy. But, look here. I'm a bit puzzled. 
Anthony doesn't usually allow women within ten feet 
of him. 

Archie. Ah, but that's the danger ; these are 
scientific women, my dear feller, that's the devil of it. 

Jimmy. Where did he pick 'em up? . . . Who 
asked 'em down here ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Anthony invited them, 
himself, and as it's his house, I had to back up his 

B 



18 ALL-OF A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

invitation, of course, — besides, I'd never seen them, 
and now 

Archie. They're here, and {spreading out his 
hands) — here we are ! 

Jimmy, {ironically) Jove ! How you do grasp 
things. Uncle Archie. 

(Archie glares at him through his eyeglass and turns up 
stage, huffily.) 

Jimmy, {rising and crossing to Lady Crackex- 
THORPE and laying his hand on her shoulder) Well, of 
course it's jolly rough on you, mater, having to clear 
out, but — men will marry. There's no stopping 'em. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. But Anthony is not hke 
other men. 

Jimmy, {chuckling) No, by Jove, you're right 
there. Anthony— well, Anthony's unique. 

{Enter Anthony on landing at back. He is a man of 
about 40, tvith an odd, lanky, awkward figure, a pale, 
gaunt face, and a touzled head of mouse-coloured hair 
— one tuft sticking straight up behind. He ivears 
pince-nez, and an extraordinary mixture of clothes, 
altogether presenting a grotesque figure. He cocks 
his head at an angle, comically, as he peers through 
his glasses, and has an abruptly jerky manner of 
speaking, and an occasional, sudden, unexpected 
laugh.) 

Anthony, {excitedly, calling over banisters) Is 
Miss O'Mara there ? 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN' PEGGY. 19 

{They all turn and look at him.) 

Jimmy. Hullo, Anthony, old chap ! {crosses to 
foot of stairs r) 

Anthony. Oh, is that you, James ? {he crosses 
and shambles jerkily down the staircase tvith a bundle 
of papers in his hand, talking as he comes) Has any 
one seen Miss O'Mara anywhere ? 

MiLLiCENT. {getting off table and looking up at 
Anthony) No, she's out. 

Anthony. Out? . . . {fretfully) Tut, tut! Then, 
where's 

{Abruptly snatching Jimmy's hand, giving it one brief 
shake, and then dropping it, and turning with a jerk) 

— where's her mother ? 

Millicent, Mrs. O'Mara's out, too. 

Anthony, {fretfully) Tut, tut ! I particularly 
wanted to consult them about a title for my book. 
{he sits R. of table c. and sorts his papers) 

Jimmy, {coming down to r. of Anthony) Hullo, 
been writing a book, Anthony ? 

Anthony, {turning and speaking over his shoul- 
der) Er — well, not yet, but I'm going to. On 
" Spiders " — for the people. Cheap and quite " popu- 
lar," of course. And as Miss O'Mara writes herself, 
I 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, | only stories and 
things, — not " spider " books, Anthony. 

Anthony, {turning sharply on Lady Cracken- 



20 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

THORPE) What of that ? — what of that ? Miss 
O'Mara and her mother understand spiders. They 
seem instinctively drawn to spiders. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {grimly, ivith an angry 
■sniff) H'm ! Naturally ! I'm not surprised. A 
fellow feehng, of course. 

Anthony, {draiving himself up, glaring at Lady 
Crackenthorpe) Mother ! 

MiLLiCENT. {hastily to Anthony) Mother only 
meant that people who've lived among spiders, I 
mean people who must have had to swallow spiders 
at every meal 

Jimmy, {startled) What ? " Swallow spiders " 



Anthony, {interrupting) Er — conversationally — 
merely conversationally. 

Millicent. I meant that, of course. Living with 
a man like the Professor, they'd have to. 

Anthony, (beaming delightedly) The Professor ! 
Ah, that reminds me. {turning to Jimmy) Are you 
aware that we have the widow of the celebrated Pro- 
fessor O'Mara, F.R.S., under this very roof ? . . . 
It may seem incredible to you, but it's a fact, {turn- 
ing to Lady Crackenthorpe) Isn't it, mother ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a groan) Oh yes, 
it's true enough. 

Anthony, {turning proudly to Jimmy) There ! 
Think of^ that ! And — {impressively) — his daughter 
sitting in my study. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {starting up, with an 
alarmed cry) What ? . . . I thought she was out. 



Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 21 

Anthony, {irritably) Tut, tut ! I meant this 
morning, mother. 

(MiLLiCENT crosses to Lady Crackenthorpe and 
stands at end of settee) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {subsiding into her seat 
with a relieved sigh) Oh-h-h ! 

Anthony, {to Jimmy) Miss O'Mara helped the 
Professor with his book on spiders. She's been at 
work with me, all this morning. She gave me every 
encouragement. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {grimly) I can imagine 
it. She ivould! {through her clenched teeth) Oh, 
the little 

(Millicent tries to 'pacify her.) 

Anthony, {to Jimmy) It's an exceptional oppor- 
tunity, the chance of a life-time. Even you must see 
that, mother ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {ivith suppressed anger) 
Oh yes, I can see it, plainly enough, {in a loioer tone) 
So can she. {under her breath) Little cat ! 

(Archie tries to pacify her.) 

Anthony, {peering at his papers and not hearing 
this) Oh, well, I must go. {abruptly turning to 
Jimmy) You staying ? 

Jimmy. Just for the week-end. 

Anthony. Oh, then we can talk at dinner, {im- 
portantly) My time is precious, {rising abruptly 
and shambling up the staircase, talking as he goes) 



22 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I 

Let me know as soon as either Mrs. O'Mara or her 
daughter come in. (lie suddenly stops and gives a 
cry) Ah ! Excellent ! 

(They all turn and look at Anthony, who looks over 
banisters, beaming through his spectacles.) 

I've got my title ! As it's to be a " popular " book, 
I might call it The Autobiography of a Spider, eh ? 

{There is a moment's silence. Jimmy turns and ex- 
plodes into his handkerchief. Archie grins and 
pulls his moustache to hide it, and crosses to fireplace 
and stands with his back to it.) 
MiLLiCENT. {controlling her amusement) How 
awfully good ! 

Anthony, {ivith his sudden, short laugh — com- 
placently) Yes, I really think it sounds attractive, 
eh ? . . . Don't you think so, mother ? 

(MiLLiCENT nudges Lady Crackenthorpe.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {hastily) Eh ? Oh yes, I 
think it sounds most amusing. 

Anthony, {his whole expression changing — aghast) 
" Amusing ? " {outraged) " Amusing ! " (angrily) 
I see it's useless discussing some matters with any one 
but the O'Maras. {tvith a snort of disgust) " Amus- 
ing ! " Ptcha ! 

{He goes off l. muttering, " So like mother.'''' Exit l. 
through archway on landing.) 

[They all turn and look at Jimmy.) 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 23 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {to Jimmy) There ! You 
can see for yourself. 

Jimmy, {shahing his head) By Jove ! They do 
seem to have got hold of him. It's those confounded 
spiders. That's their strong card. 

Archie, {coming forward to foot of settee) Course 
it is ! Don't ye see, they're the only women he's ever 
met who haven't loathed spiders. That's the devil 
of it. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) I can't see 
why on earth spiders were ever invented. They're 
no earthly use to anybody. 

Jimmy, {shaking his head) Oh, aren^t they ? 
{drily) You ask the O'Maras. They look Hke being 
jolly useful to them, {he goes up, opens his suit-case, 
on chair near writing-table, and takes out cigarette case) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {stamping) Then we 
must prevent it. 

Jimmy. That's all very well, mater — but — how ? 
{shutting up hag again) 

(Archie looks inquiringly at Lady Crackenthorpe 
and she motions for him to begin.) 

Archie {bracing himself) How ? Well, — {laughs 
nervously and comes to table c.) — that's where you 
come in, my dear feller. 

Jimmy, {coming down to table c, half puzzled and 
half amused.) I ? . . . How ? What do you want 
me to do ? . . . Kidnap Anthony, or marry the girl 
myself ? 



24 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 1. 

(Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe stare at him in 
astonishment and exclaim together) 

Archie. \ Well, bless my soul ! 

and [{together) 

Lady C) How did you guess it ? 

Jimmy, (looking at them in astonishment) What ? 
... I was only rotting, (lights a cigarette) Why, 
good lord, you're not both of you serious ? 

Archie. By Jove, we are, though, dead serious ; — 
ain't we, Charlotte ? So ivill you, my dear feller ? 

Jimmy, {chaffifigly) Will I what ? Kidnap An- 
thony, spiders and all, and cart him out to Ceylon ? 
{sits on chair R. of table c.) 

Archie, {impatiently) No, my dear feller, no \ 

Jimmy, {half laughing) Well, you can't mean 
marry the girl ? 

Archie, {tugging at his moustache, nervously) 
Well, no, my dear feller, you needn't marry her — 
unless, of course, you want to. 

Jimmy, (ironically) Oh, don't consider me,. 
Uncle Archie, (lie turns to Lady Crackenthorpe) 
What's he getting at, mater ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Well, it's no use beating; 
about the bush, we want you to make up to this 
O'Mara girl, and distract her attention from iVnthony. 

MiLLiCENT. {who has been a puzzled listener until 
now — indignantly) Mother ! So this is your 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) MiUicent. 
Hush! 

(Archie also " hushes " Millicent). 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 25 

Jimmy, {quietly) Oh, so it's a case of drawing a 
red herring across the trail, and I'm to be the red 
herring, Uncle Archie — what ? 

Archie, {coughing, awkwardhj, and puffing at his 
cheroot) No, no, dash it all ! You — well, it's all for 

the good o' the fam'ly, and so — well {breaks off 

in confusion and smokes furiously) 

LadyCrackenthorpe. {anxiously) Well, Jimmy ? 

Archie, {anxiously) Yes — yes, — what d'ye say, 
my dear feller ? 

Jimmy {turning) Say ? {he rises and, with a 
half -laugh, says contemptuously) Rot ! {turns and 
strolls across r., smoking) 

(MiLLiCENT looks fleascd and sits on chair below 
fireplace.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {aghast) What ? 

Archie, {folloiving Jimmy a step) Here, I say, 
dash it all, my dear feller, don't talk like that. What's 
to become of me — er— I mean, think of your mother. 
Think of the fam'ly. You're our sheet anchor. 

Jimmy, {turning) Oh ! I was the family red 
herring a minute ago — I'm getting on. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising — indignantly) Do 
you mean you'll actually see your brother trapped, 
and your mother turned out of her home here, with- 
out raising a finger to prevent it ? 

Jimmy {with a troubled face) I'd do a good deal to 
prevent it, but when it comes to hoodwinking a girl 
who's never done anything to me 



26 ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. But she's doing things 
to me, and to Anthony. 

Archie. Yes, by Jove, to all of us, my dear feller. 

Jimmy, {turning to Millicent) You're keeping 
very quiet about it all, Milly. What do you say ? 

Millicent. {rising and coming to l.c.) Well, if 
you want my honest opinion, I think Peggy O'Mara's 
not half a bad sort. She's a bit harum-scarum, of 
course, but I rather like her. Of course, I don't 
believe she cares a scrap about Anthony. 

Jimmy. No, no, we'll let her off that. The point 
is — is she an outsider ? 

(Archie and Lady Crackenthorpe are both about 
to reply to Jimmy ivhen Mrs. O'Mara's voice is 
heard off R. calling.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. (off) Peggy ! Peggy ! 

Archie, {quickly to Jimmy) H'st ! Look out. 
Here's the mother. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Now you can see for 
yourself, {she sits down on settee again.) 

{Enter Mrs. O'Mara l. through door r. She is a 
plump Irishwoman of about 45. In reality a 
pleasant-looking woman, but on this, her first en- 
trance, she is at her ivorst, being terribly untidy, her 
hair tumbled and coming down, an " impossible " 
hat, tilted over one eye, a short skirt and mackintosh, 
sufficiently short to disclose a clumsy pair of walking 
boots, very muddy. She looks " impossible " and 
out of place in her surroundings, and adds to this 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 27 

impression hy speaking ivitli a pronounced Irish 
brogue. She carries a large pocket-handkerchief — 
with the corners tied to form a bag — carefully, as 
though something precious ivere inside.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. (as she enters) Aw, what's got 
the gyurl, now ? (she stops dead on seeing the family 
gathered together) 'Deed an' I didn't know annybody 
was here, (backs to door again.) 

MiLLiCENT. (coming forward) Come in, Mrs. 
O'Mara. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw now, I know I'm lookin' horrud. 
But ut was in the cause of science, anyhow, an' brains 
were made before bonnets, as the Professor used to 

say. If I'd known ye'd visitors, now (looking 

at Jimmy) 

MiLLiCENT. Oh, this is only my other brother — 
Jimmy, (to Jimmy) This is Mrs. O'Mara, Jimmy. 

(Jimmy comes doivn towards Mrs. O'Mara, and bows 
to her.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. (with a smiling nod) Sure an' I'd 
have known ye annywhere from yer hkeness — 
(Jimmy smiles)— to your brother. 

Jimmy, (his face falling) What ? (stiffly) Oh ! 
Really ! (he turns and looks annoyed) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Have ye seen Peggy annywhere. 
Miss Milhcent ? 

MiLLiCENT. No, I thought she was out with you, 
Mrs. O'Mara. 



28 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN-PEGGY. [Act I. 

Mrs. O'Mara. 'Deed, no. Then where'll I be 
finding his lordship, now ? 

MiLLiCENT. Anthony's in his study. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Then I'll be goin' there, if ye'll 
excuse me. Maybe Peggy'll be there, too. {turns 
to staircase) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {sharply) Indeed she's 
not. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {resignedly) Aw sure, that gyurl's 
never where she should be. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising and advancing a 
step — getting angry) I can't see the slightest neces- 
sity for your daughter to be in my son's room. 

(Archie and Millicent attempt to suppress Lady 
Crackenthorpe . ) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but " necessity " is only an- 
other name for inclination, where two young people 
are concerned, Lady Crackenthorpe. {goes upstair- 
case) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {frigidly) I don't under- 
stand you. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {turning, sweetly) Aw now, is ut 
so long since ye was young yerself, that ye've for- 
gotten the way av ut ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning away indig- 
nantly) Oh-h-h ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. {pausing on staircase to peep intO' 
her handkerchief) Aw, look at that now, I've lost me 
spider. 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 29 

MiLLiCENT. {crossing to foot of stairs) You don't 
mean you were carrying a live spider in your handker- 
chief ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. (kneeling on landing and looking 
about) 'Deed an' I was — a beautiful trap-door spider, 
too. {rising) Aw well, Peggy must go back and 
catch another for his lordship. He'd rather she gave 
it him than me, I'm thinkin'. {calling down) Don't 
ye think so. Lady Crackenthorpe ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning and sneaking 
tartly) No ! I think your inference is distinctly 
premature. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {crossing landing at top and speaking 
down) Aw well, ut's well to be on the safe soide. If 
ye're not premature nowadays, ye're anticipated. 

{She nods and smiles and exits l.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning to Jimmy, chok- 
ing with indignation) There ! {sits down on settee) 

Archie. There ! {coming doivn to table c. and 
waving his hand towards Mrs. O'Mara's exit) What 
d'ye make o' that, my dear feller ? 

Jimmy, {crossing slowly l. to fireplace, and stand- 
ing ivith his back to it) She certainly means business, 
there's no doubt about it. {to Millicent) I say, 
Milly, is this girl — Peggy, anything like — that ? 
{he jerks his head towards staircase.) 

Millicent. {sitting on end of settee) Oh, no, not 
a scrap. 



30 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Ptcha ! Not noiv, but it's 
only a question of time. 

Archie. But at present, there's no denyin' she's 
devihsh pretty. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {severely) Archie ! 

Archie. {hastily) Er — unfortunately ! That's 
what I meant, Charlotte — " unfortunately." 

Jimmy. Oh well, I want a bit of sugar on the pill. 

{They all look at Jimmy curiously.) 

Archie, {starting forward) By Jove, that means 
you will help us ? 

Jimmy. Well, it's a bit of a facer to think of people 
like that getting hold here. 

Archie, {leaning across table c.) Then why hesi- 
tate so, my dear feller ? 

Jimmy, {uneasily) Well, it doesn't seem quite 
cricket. 

Archie. Why ! Dash it all, you needn't commit 
yourself, you've only got to sorter dazzle the girl, 
that's all. 

(Jimmy grins in spite of himself.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Yes, once I get them out 
of the house, you can leave the rest to me. 

Jimmy. Oh, then the programme is—/ dazzle the 
girl, and you do the rest, what ? {thinks a ininute 
and then shrugs his shoulders) Oh well, somebody'' s 
got to do something ; I suppose I'll have to have a 
shot at it. 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 31 

(Lady Ckackenthorpe and Archie both give audible 
sighs of relief.) 

Archie, {coming to him, slapping him on back) 
Bravo ! Good man ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {tvith a sigh of relief) 
Ah — that's all right. 

Jimmy, {shaking his head and crossing sloivly to l.) 
Oh, don't you be so sure. Goodness only knows how 
it'll turn out. 

{At this moment Mrs. O'Mara's voice is heard off 
upstairs.) 
Mrs. O'Mara. {off) Peggy ! Where in the 
wurrld have ye been, now ? 

(Peggy's voice is heard off through open windoiv at 
the back.) 

Peggy, {off — laughs lightly and then calls) I 
daren't shout it all, come down, and I'll tell you. 

Jimmy, {turniyig quickly to Archie) Is that ? 

Archie, {nodding) Peggy. 

{He goes up to the window, followed by Jimmy.) 

Archie, {pointing out of windoiv) There she is, — 
look. 

Jimmy. By Jove ! She is a pretty girl, {sud- 
denly backing out of range of window) She's coming 
in. {he turns c. hastily ayid crosses to staircase) Here, 
where's my kit ? 

{He snatclies up his suit-case, which is standing where 
he left it, and begins to spring up the staircase three 



32 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

stefs at a time. They all turn and call up, in sur- 
prise, to him.) 

Lady Crackenthokpe. Jimmy, don't go. 

Archie. Here, dash it all ! What are you goin' 
to do? 

Jimmy, {from landing, speaking down) What am 
I going to do ? Why, I'm going to wash. I couldn't 
dazzle that girl with a grimy face. 

{He dashes off r. and exits.) 
(MiLLiCENT goes up to windoiv at hack and looks off.) 

Archie, {pulls his moustache complacently) Well, 
I've pulled it off for you, Charlotte, so, if you could 
put your hand on that fiver, I really must go up to 
town to-day — er — my dentist — y'know. 

(He slowly makes his way round to fireplace during the 

next few sentences.) 
{Re-enter Mrs. O'Mara do^vn the staircase. She has 

changed her dress, and smartened herself generally, 

and now looks quite presentable.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {as she comes doivn) Hasn't Peggy 
come in ? I've just been speaking to her, and 

{As she reaches the bottom, the door under gallery at 
back bursts open and enter Peggy. She is a bright, 
pretty, impulsive girl, ivho looks about 25. She is 
simply dressed on her first entrance, in a blue serge 
skirt and a blouse, and a simple hat. She looks full 
of health and high spirits, and speaks impulsively 
and frankly, ignoring all conventions and proprieties 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 33 

in a perfectly simple and ingenuous way. She is — 
in short — a perfectly natural, unspoiled, and slightly 
ivild Irish girl. She only uses a touch of the hrogue, 
very occasionally, and as a joke, her speech ordinarily 
being quite pure. The moment she appears Mrs. 
O'Mara begins to speak reprovingly.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {shaking her finger) Peggy ! 



Peggy, {cutting in and shaking her finger at her 
mother, in comic imitation of the severe parent) Mother ! 
Now, where have you been ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {with a helpless gesture to Archie) 
Aw, listen to that, now. Taking me very wor-rds off 
me lips. 

Peggy, {mischievously, and dropping into the 
brogue like her mother) Sure, an' where else would I 
take them from, mother darlin' ? But there, now, 
I'll put something better in their place, {she runs 
across, gives her mother a hug and kisses her affection- 
ately.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {smiling, and giving her a little 
push) Aw, git along with yer coaxing ways, an' tell 
me what ye've been doing ? 

{Re-enter Anthony down the stairs. He joins the 
group.) 

Peggy, {her eyes dancing ivith mischief) Well, 

I've had such a queer (breaking off) Oh, but 

perhaps the others are not interested, mother. 

Anthony. On the contrary, we are intensely 

c 



34 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

interested ; — [turning to Lady Crackenthorpe) — 
aren't we, mother ? 

(Lady Crackenthorpe turns her hack, and Archie 
soothes her.) 

MiLLiCENT. {trying to cover her mother^s attitude) 
Have you had any tea, Miss O'Mara ? 

Peggy, {sitting down on l. of c. table) Well, no, 
it was — {with a wicked glance at Lady Cracken- 
thorpe) — ginger beer. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe turns sharfly and stares at 
her.) 

MiLLiCENT. {blankly) Ginger beer ? {incredu- 
lously) Ginger beer ? 

Anthony, {turning sharply on Millicent) Why 
not ? Why not ? 

Archie, {vastly tickled) Haw ! haw ! 
(Lady Crackenthorpe looks at him severely and he 

hastily turns his laugh into a cough and strolls to 

fireplace. Anthony is above table c. and Millicent 

sitting on arm of settee.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {frigidly) Ginger beer ? 
{closing Iter eyes) How utterly impossible ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. {sitting on chair r. of c. table, 
blandly) Aw, nothing's impossible where Peggy's 
concerned, when she's in one of her wild moods, Lady 
Crackenthorpe. 

Peggy, {taking off her gloves) Mother, I'm sur- 
prised at you. I've only been — paying a call. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {again rising to the bait) 



y 



Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 35 

I wasn't aware that you knew any one in this part of 
the country. 

Peggy, {innocently) I don't. 

Lady Ceackenthorpe. Then how have you— 
who did you ? 

Peggy. Well, you see, I just — dropped in. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Dropped in ? Where, Peggy ? 

Peggy, {demurely) Into the trout stream, mother, 

Anthony, {concerned) Good gracious ! 

(Archie is again enormously tickled and chuckles. 
Lady Crackenthorpe turns and looks at him and 
he stops.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, lave off yer humbugging,, 
Peggy. What'll his lordship be thinkin' of ye t 
What's the truth av ut, annyway ? 

Peggy. Oh, it is nothing. I was hunting for some 
trap-door spiders, on the banks of the trout stream, 
and I slipped in, that's all. 

Anthony, {alarmed) Dear me ! Not in the deep 
part, I hope. 

Peggy. On no, I only went up to here, {points 
to her knees) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Peggy ! {starting forward) An' 

you sitting there talking in yer wet {kneeling 

and grasping Peggy's skirt below the knees and then 
sits hack on her heels on -floor). Why, ut's dry ! 

Peggy. Of course it is dry, now, — that's where my 
afternoon call comes in. Well, when I'd scrambled 
out. I started to walk back 



36 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

MiLLiCENT. Like that ? Why, it's four miles. 

Peggy. Yes, and with my shoes full of water, and 
my skirt — well, perhaps you've none of you ever 
tried to walk four miles in a soaked skirt. 

Anthony, {'perfectly seriously) No, no, never ! 
Never ! 

(Archie chuckles behind his hand, again.) 

Peggy. Well, don't. After the first mile I gave 
it up, and that's where the call came in. 
(Anthony goes to assist Mrs. O'Mara to rise, hut she 

pushes him into her chair r. of table, while she 

remains sitting on her heels on the floor.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Where could you think 
of caUing, in that state ? 

Peggy. It was a cottage. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (sneering) Oh, you said 
an " afternoon call " ! 

Anthony (turning sharply on Lady Cracken- 
thorpe) Don't interrupt, mother, (to Peggy) Yes ? 
Yes ? Yes ? 

Peggy. Well, I went up, and I knocked till I was 
tired, but no one came. Well, the door was only 
closed, so I pushed it open and called out, " Hullo," 
just like that. Not a sound, so I — well, I was feeling 
desperate by this time, and I walked in. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (disapprovingly) You 
walked in ? 

Anthony, (turning sharply to his mother and 
jerking out) Why not ? Why not ? 



Act I.] ' ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 37 

Peggy. There wasn't a soul in the place, but there 
was a nice fire in the kitchen, so after I'd looked round 
and made quite sure there was no one about, I went 
into the kitchen and slipped off my skirt 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {scandalized and gasping) 
You slipped off your skirt ? 

{She half rises, and Millicent and Archie pacify 

her) 

Peggy, {innocently) Well, there was no one there. 
If you'd felt as uncomfortable as / did, I'm certain 
you^d have done the same. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {scandalized) I ? . . . 
In a strange place like that, {turning indignantly 
to Archie) Really, Archie ! 

Anthony, {sharply to Lady Crackenthorpe) 
Why not ? Why not ? 

Archie. Er — h'm ! {He chokes another laugh 
into a cough and tries to pacify Lady Crackenthorpe 
in dumb show) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but supposin' annybody had 
come in, now, Peggy ? 

Peggy. What is the good of supposing things 
that don't happen, before they do ? 

Anthony. Absolutely useless. 

Millicent. Well, it certainly was rather a risky 
thing to do. 

Peggy. Oh, I never thought about that. I was 
only too glad to get that horrid wet skirt off, and 
hang it before the fire. 



J 



38 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Mrs. O'Mara. But, sure, Peggy, your — {her 
eye catches Anthony and she stops) — er — well, more 
than yer skirt must have got wet, annyway ? 

Peggy. Oh yes, my shoes and stockings, of course, 
but I took those off first. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising) You needn't go 
into any further details, please. 

Anthony, {turning sharply on Lady Cracken- 
thorpe as before) Why not ? Why not ? 

(Archie simply explodes and turns his back.) 

Peggy, {innocently) Oh, there were no other 
details — I mean I had no other^ — {pulling up hastily) 
— er, well, it was a hot day, and I — I was dressed for 
walking. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh-h-h ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. But did ye never think that one 
of the inhabitants might have been a man ? 

Millicent. {coming and sitting on back of c. 
table) Yes, perhaps a rough man, too. 

Peggy. Oh no, he was a gentleman, I'm sure. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Then there was a man ? 

Peggy, {cheerfully) Oh, yes. I saw all his 
pipes and fishing rods and things. 

Archie, {fixing in his eyeglass) But why were 
you so cock-sure he was a gentleman. Miss O'Mara ? 

Peggy, Why, he had almost as big a collection of 
actress's photographs as you have, Major Phipps. 

Archie, {taken aback) Eh — what ? {turning 
away) Er — h'm-m ! 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 39 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {to Peggy) You found 
out all this, and still stayed ? 

Peggy. Well, blue serge takes such ages to dry. 
That's when I saw the things. You see, I had to 
wander about a bit, to kill time. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {collapsing in her chair 

again) " Wander about " with only your 

Oh-h-h-h ! {she sits, inexpressibly shocked) 

Peggy, {unable to see Lady Crackenthorpe's 
grievance) But — he was out. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {wheeling round) Then 
may I ask who gave you {bitingly) the " refresh- 
ment " you spoke of ? 

Archie, {trying to get level) Yes, what price the 
ginger beer, eh ? 

Peggy, {easily) Oh, I forgot about that. I was 
awfully thirsty, and there were some bottles of stone 
ginger beer on the table, so I opened one, — that's all. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, Peggy, that reely was takin' 
a liberty, now. 

Peggy. Oh, I left twopence by the empty bottle, 
mother. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {sarcastically) Dear me. 
How very punctilious of you. 

Peggy. Oh, Lady Crackenthorpe, you don't mean 
to say you'd have stolen it ? 

Anthony, {jerking round abruptly on Lady 
Crackenthorpe) Really, mother, you surprise me. 
(Lady Crackenthorpe turns once more to Archie for 
sympathy) 



\/ 



40 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN" PEGGY. [Act I. 

Mrs. O'Mara. An' is that all, Peggy ? 

Peggy. Oh, yes. I put on my dry things, left 
a little note explaining what I'd done, and where I 
was staying 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {starting violently, and 
almost shrieking as she echoes Peggy's ivords) Where 
— you — were — staying ? {closing her eyes and gasp- 
ing) Oh ! — my salts. Get me my salts. 

Archie, {looks round) Where is that confounded 
bottle, Milly? 

(MiLLY looks round and then runs upstairs and off.) 

Peggy. Well, it would have been rather horrid 
of me to have left without thanking my host, wouldn't 
it, Lord Crackenthorpe ? 

Anthony, (beaming at her) Charming of you to 
think of it. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {sharply) Nonsense, An- 
thony. You must forgive my saying, Miss O'Mara, 
that I consider that the whole incident was indiscreet 
to a degree. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but that's just Peggy all over, 
Lady Crackenthorpe. 

Peggy, {indignantly) Mother ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. I mean ye never look before ye 
leap until after ut's over. Ye must admit it now, 
Peggy. 

Peggy, {smiling) I'm afraid I never look even 
then, I leave other people to do that. 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 4B 

(MiLLiCENT enters l. on landing ivith smelling bottle 
and crosses k.) 

Lady Crackenthoepe. {tartly) And what if 
the " other people " misconstrue things, Miss O'Mara ? 

Peggy, {lightly) Oh well, — {shrugging her shoul- 
ders) — as we say in Ireland, " harm to them that 
thinks it." 

(MiLLiCENT suddenly stops on small landing with a 
shriek.) 

MiLLiCENT. {looking at her feet) Oh ! What an 
awful spider, {she gathers up skirts.) 

Anthony. {excitedly) A spider ? Where ? 
Where ? 

{He hurries up to landiyig afid drops on his hands and 
knees.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {suddenly) Sure, an' it'll be the 
same I lost, {she hurries up the stairs after Anthony) 

Anthony, {going flat on his body on landing, in 
the excitement of the hunt, and rising ivith spider 
between finger and thumb, triumphantly) Ah-h-h ! 
{he pulls out his pocket lens and examines it) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {joining him and examining it) 
Sure, ut's the very same, indeed. 

(MiLLiCENT crosses round behind them, and comes down 

with smelling bottle.) 

Anthony, {gloating over spider and calling down 
to Peggy) A quite exceptional specimen ! Miss 
O'Mara, — look here. 



42 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

(Peggy runs up the staircase and she, Mes. O'Mara 
and Anthony all stand on landing examining the 
spider in dumb show. Lady Crackenthorpe, 
Archie and Millicent form another group down 
stage l. and talk in rapid undertones.) 
Lady Crackenthorpe. {sniffing smelling bottle — 
irritably) It's monstrous ! Why wasn't Jimmy 
here, he'd have seen for himself {her voice rising) 

what an impossible 

Millicent. {glancing at group on stairs) Mother ! 
Hssh ! Please ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {stamping her foot) I 
tvill not " shish." She's absolutely shameless. Is 
Jimmy never coming down ? 

Archie, {in a loiv voice) Here, dash it all, do 
keep hold of yourself, Charlotte, or you'll spoil every- 
thing. I'll go up and rout Jimmy out, and send him 
down. 

{He crosses r. and goes up stairs and off l.) 

Millicent. Let us leave them, and go into the 
drawing-room, mother. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, very well. {she 
crosses l. ivith Millicent, giving one vindictive glance 
at group on stairs and protesting in dumb show as she 
exits, l., with Millicent) 

Anthony, {examining spider through pocket lens 
and speaking to Peggy) Well, you may be right. 
We'll examine the bristles under the microscope. 

Peggy, {turning) Yes, that'll prove it. {she 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 43 

runs down the stairs into hall, leaving Anthony and 
Mrs. O'Mara on landing — calling hack as she de- 
scends) There's a diagram of it in papa's book. 

Anthony. Is there ? Excellent ! It's in the 
study, we'll look it up. {jerks abruptly round and 
walks L., saying excitedly) Come along, come along. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {signalling significantly to Peggy 
to come upstairs again and rejoin them) Come up, 
and go with his lordship, Peggy darlin' ! 

Peggy, {standing c, back to audience) Oh no, 
it's you he wants, mother, {she sits down at piano) 

(Anthony stops and looks from one to the other.) 

Peggy, {calls up to him from the piano) I'm no 
use to you, Lord Crackenthorpe ; it was mother, 
there, who helped papa with that section of the book. 
{she plays a feiv bars of " La Mattchiche ") 

Anthony, {turning and eyeing Mrs. O'Mara 
delightedly) Really ? How very interesting, {turn- 
ing L., excitedly) The microscope's quite ready in 

the study, so if you wouldn't mind assisting me • 

{moving l.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {fairly caught) Oh, I shall be 
delighted, {she turns to follow him) But, — Peggy'd 
best come, too. 

Anthony. Eh ? {carelessly) Oh ! — by all means, 
if she wishes. 

Peggy, {still playing piano soflty) I — I'll follow 
you, mother. 

Anthony, {absently, absorbed ivith the spider) 



/ 



44 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Yes, — yes, — you needn't hurry. So long as Mrs. 
O'Mara will come, {moving l. to Mrs. O'Mara) 

So kind of you to {he goes through archway, 

and the remainder of his seritence is lost as he exits l.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {crossing landing after him and 
leaning over banisters after his exit, and calling doicn 
in a loud ivhisper) Peggy, if ye don't come soon, 
I'll 

Anthony, {off) This way, Mrs. O'Mara, come 
along. 

(Peggy plays on gaily.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {throivs up her hands in despair, 
and then shakes her fist at Peggy) Oh-h-h ! 

{Exit after Anthony l., leaving Peggy in the hall 
below alcove.) 
Peggy, {turning laughingly c, clapping her hands 
triumphantly, she then, humming gaily, takes off her hat, 
throivs it on the table, then crosses l. to ingle nook, and 
dragging a big old chair to wall, stands on seat, and 
looks at row of old books, on high book-shelf, selects one, 
and takes it out, exclaiming) Phugh ! How dusty ! 
{she bloivs dust off top of book ayid tvithout getting off 
chair, sits on back, with her feet resting on seat, and 
turns over the pages) 

{Re-enter Jimmy on landing, r., ivith Archie, who 
points down to Peggy.) 

Archie, {sotto voce, to Jimmy) There she is, now 
go in and — " dazzle her." 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 45 

(Jimmy laughingly fushes Archie o-ff r. and then 
crosses landing to stairs. He 'puts his tie straight, 
settles his collar and linen, pulls down his waistcoat, 
and then descends ivith the air of a conqueror. 
Peggy has her hack to him and doesn't see him, and 
is too much engrossed in her hook to hear. As he 
comes down she changes her volume for an'tther , 
ivhich is also dusty, and just as Jimmy crosses to her 
chair, she turns sharply, and, before she sees him, 
blows a cloud of dust from to]) of book all over him. 

Jimmy, {falling back a step, his eyes full of dust 
and coughing) Ugh ! . . . Pff ! . . . H'm ! 

Peggy, {standing on armchair) Oh, I am so sorry. 
I never heard any one come in, I hope I haven't 
made you very dusty. 

Jimmy, {coughing a bit) Ugh ! Oh, no ! {cough) 
Not the least bit — {coughs) — thanks. 

Peggy, {looking) Why, your coat's simply cov- 
ered, {she throws book down) I'll get a clothes-brush 
{she jumps doivn impulsively, looks about, and goes up 
to hall table at back and fetches a clothes-brush) 

Jimmy, {protesting) No, really — please, {dust- 
ing himself with handkerchief) 

Peggy. I insist, {coming back ivith clothes-brush 
and giving it to him) It was awfully stupid of me, 
blowing all my dust over you like that. 

Jimmy, {gallantly — brushing himself at random) 
Not at all, awfully stupid of me to — to get in the 
way of your dust, don't y'know. 



46 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 1. 

Peggy, [ivatching him critically) You know, 
you're not brushing anywhere near the dust, {im- 
pulsively) Oh, let me. {she seizes the brush and 
begins to brush his shoulder) There ! Now, turn 
round. 

(Jimmy turns, and Peggy vigorously dusts his shoulders 
and back.) 

Jimmy, {over his shoulder) I say, really, I can't 
let you 

Peggy, {intent on her tvorJc) Oh, please stand 
still, your back's awful. Those books can't have 
been dusted for years, {she steps back and surveys 
him) There ! You're all right now. 

Jimmy, {turning) Awfully good of you, really. 
Perhaps I ought to introduce myself. 

Peggy, {starting and turning face to audience) 
Oh ! Good gracious ! I forgot about that. What 
will you think of me ? 

Jimmy. How d'you mean ? ' What's wrong ? 

Peggy. Why, to be talking to you, and — {she 
suddenly begins to laugh) — thumping your back like 
that, when I don't even know your name. 

Jimmy. Oh, that's nothing. It seemed the most 
natural thing in the world. 

Peggy. Yes, that's just it. I'm always being 
" natural," that's where I'm always getting into 
trouble. Being natural seems against the rules, but 
it's so hard to remember, {looking at brush) Espe- 
cially with a clothes-brush ! 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 47 

Jimmy, Why with a clothes-brush in particular ? 

Peggy, (leaning against settee) Why, haven't 
you noticed ? It's almost impossible to brush any 
one down, without a sort of feeling that you've 
known them for years. 

Jimmy. I suppose that cuts both ways. I feel — 
{he comes forward and looks straigJit into her eyes) — 
as though I'd known you, all my life. 

Peggy, {freezing, and dropping clothes-brush into 
his hand and speaking tartly) Oh, then I'm sure you 
must be simply aching to get away from me. I think 
you'll find Lady Crackenthorpe and Miss Keppel in 
the drawing-room, {sits on settee) 

Jimmy, {throwing clothes-brush on table) Oh f 
I've seen both Milly and the mater, thanks. 

Peggy. {turning sharply, surprised) " The 
mater " ? . . . Why, who 

Jimmy, {crossing round top of settee and standing 
facing her) Oh, I forgot. I'm Jimmy, you know, — 
Jimmy Keppel. I thought you'd have spotted the 
family likeness. 

Peggy. Who to ? 

Jimmy. Well, to — {he pauses, ivith a self-satisfied 
grin) — to my brother Anthony, for instance. 

Peggy. Oh, that's absurd. 

Jimmy. Awfully nice of you to say so. 

Peggy. Nice of me, — how ? 

Jimmy. Well, Mrs. O'Mara said she'd have known 
me from my likeness to him, anywhere, {he grins 
again complacently) 



48 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Peggy. {taking his measure) Oh, but you 
mustn't believe Mrs. O'Mara ; she always flatters 
everybody. 

{With this parting shot, Peggy turns, picks up her 
hook and sits ivith her hack half -turned to him, read- 
ing it. Jimmy stands, a hit shaken hy his first 
tumhle, wondering what to do next. Peggy peeps 
round at him over the top of her hook, mischievously. 
He turns sharply and she ducks behind her book. 
Jimmy turns away again thinking, and then he smiles 
to himself, evidently having got another plan of 
attack. He adjusts his tie, touches his collar, and 
pulls down his unistcoat as before, and strolls across 
to Peggy) 

Jimmy, (innocently) I say, forgive me for inter- 
rupting you a minute, but you haven't by any chance 
seen Miss O'Mara anywhere about, have you ? {he 
looks about as if in search of her) 

Peggy, {turning sharply) What c?o you {she 

.checks herself suddenly, and playing up to him, says) 
Why ? Do you want to see her ? 

Jimmy, {emphatically) Awfully. 

Peggy, {amused) Really ? Why ? 

Jimmy. Eh ? Oh, I've heard such a lot about 
her, don't you know, and I'm awfully keen on 
having a look at her. 

Peggy. Well then, I should advise you to — 
" have a look," that's all. {she turns and pretends 
.to read her book) 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 49 

Jimmy, {looking about room) Look ? . . . 
Where ? 

Peggy, {dropping into the brogue) Sure, I was 
thinkin' ye'd be knowin' me, from me likeness to me 
mother. 

Jimmy, {falling back with mock astonishment) 
What? 

Peggy. Well, Lady Crackenthorpe says she''d 
have known me from my likeness to mother, — any- 
where. 

Jimmy, {with mock incredulity) No, you can't 
mean that you are Miss O'Mara ? 

Peggy, {laughing) Of course I am. 

Jimmy, {dropping into a chair as though absolutely 
overcome) Good Lord ! I — I'd no idea — I should 
never have guessed — I never dreamt — why, you're 

{he jumps up and shakes her hand) By Jove, I 

really am awfully glad to meet you, — really. 

Peggy. Gracious ! — did they make me out as 
bad as all that ? 

Jimmy, {going nearer) I don't believe they've 
ever seen you, — properly ! 

Peggy. Perhaps you haven't. You see, I began 
by " throwing dust in your eyes," didn't I ? 

Jimmy, {sittitig doivn on settee near her) I begin 
to see great possibilities in dust. 

Peggy. Yes, so do I, so I think we'd better — let 
it rest. 

Jimmy, {leaning towards her) I'm jolly glad you 
didn't. 

D 



50 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

(Peggy rises quickly and goes to firejylace, leaving 
Jimmy on settee — pause.) 

I say, you know, you're not a bit like other girls, 

Peggy. Oh, so Lady Crackenthorpe told you 
that, did she ? 

Jimmy, {impatiently) Oh, never mind what the 
mater says. 

Peggy. I never do, — that's what annoys her so. 

Jimmy. No, no, listen. What I mean is — you're 
not like any woman I've ever met. 

Peggy. Oh, what very funny people you must 
associate with. No wonder your mother shakes her 
head so, whenever your name is mentioned, [she 
turns her hack to him) 

Jimmy, {rises and crosses to her, trying another 
tone, very seriously) Miss O'Mara, I've only known 
you five minutes, is it too soon to ask a great favour ? 
... I want 

Peggy, {deliberately misconstruing his meaning) 
To smoke ? Do ! I don't mind a bit, you'll find 
The Field and Punch on the table there. I'm going 
to read, too. 

{She comes back to settee and settles doivn to her book 
again, leaving Jimmy baffled and speechless. There 
is a slight pause. Then Jimmy lights a cigarette, 
picks up "■ Punch ^^ from table, glances at it, but evi- 
dently without reading it. He then glances round 
at Peggy, and then again scratches his head in a 
puzzled fashion and thinks. Suddenly he smiles as 



Act L] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 51 

though a fresh idea had struck him. He throws 

down his 'pafer, settles his tie again, pulls down 

his waistcoat, with the old confident air, then sighs 

and mutters gloomily) 

Jimmy, {with mock dejection) Ah, well. Just 
my luck ! Jolly hard lines, though. 

Peggy, {turning, politely) I'm sorry. I was 
reading. What did you say ? 

Jimmy. Oh, nothing, nothing. I was only think- 
ing, {he thrusts his hands in his pockets, and stares at 
the ground despondently) 

Peggy. Do you always think out loud, like that ? 

Jimmy. Yes, often — {sighs heavily) — often, {sits 
dejectedly on table c.) 

Peggy. What's the matter ? 

Jimmy. Oh, I was only thinking that it was 
awfully rough on me, for my people to have " put 
you ofE me " as they seem to have done. I mightn't 
have struck you as a bad sort of chap, if they hadn't. 

Peggy, {hiding a smile) Oh, it wouldn't have 
made any difference, really, — I always judge for 
myself. 

Jimmy, {ignoring this " dig ") You know, no- 
body has ever understood me. 

Peggy, {consolingly) Oh, perhaps they did, but 
didn't like to hurt your feelings by saying what they 
really thought about you. 

Jimmy, {ivincing a hit, hut sticking to it) All I 
want is a little sympathy. That's all, — just a little 
sympathy. 




S2 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Peggy. Oh, if that's all you want, — / can promise 
jou that. 

Jimmy, {springing up and coming to back of 
settee) By Jove, do you mean you'll let me talk to 
you, and 

Peggy. Oh, much better than that. If you 
really want sympathy and all that (confidentially), — 
you go into the conservatory after dinner to- 
night 

Jimmy. (leaning towards her, eagerly) Yes, 
yes ? 

Peggy. — And have a nice, long, quiet talk with 
— mother. 

Jimmy, {his jaw dropping) What ? . . . Well, 
I'm {sits completely baffled and speechless) 

(Enter Butler carrying salver on which is package, 
^ he comes to Peggy.) 

ARKER. {coming down to back of settee and 
holding out salver) This has just come for you, miss. 

(Peggy takes it, and Parker exits at back.) 
Peggy, {excitedly) Oh, it's the first ten chapters 

of my novel from the typist's, {she opens and begins 

to feverishly turn over the sheets) 

JTimmy. Really, I'd no idea that 

Peggy, (breathlessly, without looking up) Oh, do 

keep quiet for a minute, please. 
Jimmy. Oh, I'm sorry, (he walks away r. and 

then turns and watches her, puzzled, as he smokes 

between table c. and settee) 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 53 

Peggy, {disgustedly, as she reads) Oh, it looks 
worse than ever in type. This won't do a bit. 
{looking up — irritably) Men simply drive me frantic.. 
They ivonH talk. 

Jimmy. I'm sorry, but I thought you asked me 
not to talk. 

Peggy, {impatiently) Oh, I didn't mean you.. 
I was thinking about my novel. 

Jimmy. Oh, so I'm talking to a lady novelist, am 
I? 

Peggy. There ! {stamping her foot) That's ex- 
actly what I don't want people to find out. I can 
manage the women all right, but when it comes to' 
the love scenes, my men are simply silly. 

Jimmy. Well, that sounds all right. There's 
nothing much wrong with that. 

Peggy. No, no, I'm not joking, really. I simply 
can't g^t this bit right, {springing up impulsively 
and sitting up on end of settee and saying all in a 
breath) Oh, how does a man begin to make love to 
a girl he's fallen in love with at first sight, when he's 
never seen her in his life before ? 

Jimmy, {putting his hand to his forehead, puzzled,, 
staring at her) What was that ? 

Peggy, {impatiently) Well, you ought to know. 

Jimmy. / ? 

Peggy. Yes, you're a man. Besides, I'm per- 
fectly certain, after the last half-hour, that you've 
made love heaps of times. 

Jimmy, {protesting) Here, I say 



54 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Peggy. Oh, don't waste time. Now, supposing 
you were in this man's shoes, how would you begin ? 
Jimmy. How should I begin— — 

{He stops short as a thought strikes him, then puts down 
his cigarette, smiles, puts his tie straight, pulls down 
his waistcoat as before — and then turns to Peggy 
with an intensely serious expression) 

Jimmy. Well, — I think I should begin by saying : 
" I've been looking for you for years." Then I 
should take hold of her hand, like this 

(He takes hold of Peggy's hand, but she pulls it away 
sharply.) 

Peggy, {shaking her head, knowingly) No, thank 
you. I know that way. In another minute you'll 
be calling me " Peggy," and pretending you'd " lost 

yourself in your part." In five minutes you'd be 

No, thank you, let's try another way. 

Jimmy, [giving it up and becoming quite natural 
and serious) What an extraordinary girl you are. 

Peggy. Yes, but about this man. Now, he's 
fallen in love at first sight 

Jimmy. Ptcha ! There isn't such a thing. 

Peggy. What ? But, this man {tapping her 
manuscript) has fallen in love at first sight, so there 
must be. 

Jimmy. What I mean is, it isn't love at " first 
sight," it doesn't begin then. What a chap feels 
about a girl, has been there all the time. It's only 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 53 

been waiting until the right woman comes along, to 
bring it out. 

Peggy, {clapping her hands) Oh, that'll do 
beautifully. 

Jimmy, (puzzled) Do ? What for ? 

Peggy, For my book. Do lend me a pencil. 

Jimmy, {hunting in his pockets) 'Fraid I haven't 
got one. 

Peggy. Bother, I wanted to make a note of it, 
before I forget it. I shall let my man say that to the 
girl. It's a lovely idea, {suddenly springing up 
impulsively and scattering her MSS. on the floor) 
Oh, I wonder if you'd mind helping me with another 
man, who's worrying me ? 

Jimmy. 'Course I will. Trot him out. 

Peggy, {jumping up impulsively) He's in an- 
other story — I'll go and get the manuscript. It's in 
my room, {she crosses R. in front of table and runs 
to the staircase, talking as she runs) I won't keep you 
a minute, I know exactly where to put my hands 
on it, — don't go, — I'll be back directly 

{She runs off talking, through archway l. on landing.) 

(Jimmy watches her off and then turns c. with a puzzled 
froivn on his face, and stands thinking. Enter 
Millicent through door, or archivay l.) 

Millicent. {looking round) Oh ! Are you alone, 
Jimmy ? I thought Miss O'Mara was here. 

Jimmy, {shortly) She was a minute ago. {he 



56 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

turns away l. with his hands in his 'pockets, and crosses 
to fireplace, where he hicks a footstool viciously up stage) 

MiLLiCENT. {leaning hack of settee) What's the 
matter ? Wasn't she " dazzled " ? 

Jimmy, {wheeling round angrily) Look here, 
stop that, Milly, I — I — well, stop it ; — that game's 
off. 

MiLLiCENT. "Off"? Do you mean she ? 

Jimmy, {decidedly) I mean I'm not going on with 
it. It's off, I tell you, and I'd like to kick myself for 
ever listening to it, for a minute, {he flings himself 
down on settee, angrily) 

MiLLiCENT. (backing a few paces) Jimmy, you 
don't mean to say she saw through it ? 

Jimmy, {twisting round and facing her) Good 
Lord, no ! She's much too decent a girl to see through 
a shabby scheme like that, thank goodness. Wliy 
the deuce did you all let me in for it, by making me 
think she was a regular wrong 'un ? 

MiLLiCENT. / didn't. 

Jimmy, {indignantly) No, but the others did. 
You might have given me the tip. Why, she's — 
well, all I can say is, if Anthony can get a girl like 
that to marry him, he'll be a jolly lucky beggar, — 
and you can tell the mater so, from me. 

MiLLiCENT. {alarmed) I shall do nothing of the 
kind. I've had an awful time with mother, lately. 
Don't say anything like this to her, or 

Jimmy, {starting up) Well then, where's Uncle 
Archie ? 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 57 

MiLLiCENT. He's just driven off to the station. 
He's off to town for a few days. 

Jimmy, {striding angrily across r. and back again, 
as he talks) Confound it, I'd like to have told him 
what I thought of him. It's no use, I'm going to 
wash my hands of the whole business — {wheeling 
round at fireplace) — where's the mater ? 

MiLLiCENT. {appealingly over the back of the 
settee) No, no, Jimmy, please. " Wash your hands " 
as much as you like, but don't tell mother that 
you're " washing " them. 

Jimmy. Why shouldn't I ? 

MiLLiCENT. Well, my life simply won't be worth 
living if you do, so do let her think you're helping us, 
for a day or two, for 7ny sake. 

Jimmy, {grumbling) Oh, very well, but I mean 
it, you know. It's off. {Sitting down on lower end 
of settee) That girl's a brick, and if I were in An- 
thony's shoes, and she'd have me, by gad, I — I'd 
marry her next week. 

MiLLiCENT. {going round upper end of settee and 
coming down behind Jimmy ivith her hands on his 
shoulders and her cheek against his, and saying rogu- 
ishly) You might manage to do that tvithout being 
in Anthony's shoes, if you talked to Peggy O'Mara 
like that, {turns and crosses quickly to door up l.) 

Jimmy, {turning, astonished) What ? {starting 
up as though to folloiv Millicent) Here, Milly, 
stop 

(Millicent exits and shuts the door sharply.) 



58 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

Jimmy, {slowly turns c. looking thoroughly startled. 
Slowly beginning to smile) By Jove ! If's she right, 

I'll {he adjusts his collar and tie, and pulls down 

his waistcoat, as before) 

{Re-enter Peggy on landing, ivith manuscri'pt in her 
hand.) 

Peggy, {talking as she hurries across landing, 
and comes running downstairs) So sorry to have been 
so long, but my papers were in such a muddle, {she 
comes L. and sits down on settee and sorts her papers^ 
and then suddenly looks up) Oh ! before I forget 
it. Just tell me again how you worded that little 
bit about love at first sight, {she gets her pencil 
ready) 

Jimmy, {laughing) I haven't an idea. 

Peggy. Oh, don't tell me that. Why, you must 
have said it to heaps of girls, to have had it off so pat. 

Jimmy. No, — on my soul, I never said it in my 
life before. 

Peggy. What, do you really mean that a lovely 
idea like that just — rolled out, by accident ? 

Jimmy, {looking at her meaningly) Perhaps it 
wasn't — " by accident." 

Peggy, {going doivn on her knees near settee, and 
picking MSS. from floor) Then how did it happen ? 

Jimmy, {coming down to l. of her) Perhaps you 
brought it out. {slowly and seriously) Perhaps 
what I said about " love at first sight," applied to 
me — and you ! 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 59 

Peggy. What ? [looking swiftly up, still on her 
knees) 

(Pause. They look at each other in silence for a 
moment, then re-enter Mrs. O'Mara on the landing.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. [calling over banisters) Peggy, 
wliat are ye doin' ? 

(Peggy and Jimmy start and look round, and Peggy 
rises.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. [from landing) Come up to the 
study this minute. His lordship wants ye to look 
through the microscope at the bristles on that 
spider's left hind leg. 

Peggy, [impatiently, as she crosses to table c. 
with her papers in her hand) All right, mother, I'll 
come directly. 

Mrs. O'Mara. " Directly " is no time. Ye must 
come just now. 

Anthony, [off l.) Mrs. O'Mara, you can see 
them better now, be quick, be quick. 

Mrs. O'Mara. [turning distractedly) Oh-h-h ! 
[as she turns to go back to the study, l., she calls down) 
Come up, Peggy, this minute. 

[Exit L.) 

Jimmy, [leaning over back of settee and watching 
Peggy keenly) Do you wish to go up to Anthony, 
Miss O'Mara ? 

Peggy, [decisively) Of course not. [she sits on 



60 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. [Act I. 

chair L. of table frowning, and tapping her foot on 
ground) 

(Jimmy crosses to her — she turns sharply as he is about 
to speak and asks abruptly) 

Are you any good at plots ? 

Jimmy, {starting guiltily and turning his eyes 
away) No ! I hate 'em. 

Peggy. Oh, I was wondering if you could help 
me with a plot I'm trying to work out, just now. 

Jimmy, {picking up a sheet of her MSS.) Oh, 
you mean this kind of plot ? 

Peggy, {stammering guiltily) Y-es, — of course. 

Jimmy, {relieved) Oh, that's all right. Fire 
away, {he sits on back of settee facing her) 

Peggy, {looking at him quickly, then looking back 
L. to cohere her mother has just gone out, and theyi look- 
ing straight in front of her) Now, supposing a girl — 
well, it's this way ; — a girl's mother wants to marry 
her off to a man the girl doesn't like, and, to get out 
of it, the girl conceives the idea of marrying her 
mother to the man, instead. 

Jimmy, {laughing) By Jove, that's a new idea. 

Peggy. Yes, but the trouble is, that although the 
man likes the mother, he won't make up his mind to 
propose to her, while the girVs about, and the mother, 
— who's rather a dear — won't marry any one herself 
until the girVs married. Now, what ought ^he girl 
to do ? 



Act I.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 61 

Jimmy. Why, marry some other chap, that she 
does care for, of course. 

Peggy. No, no, that's just it, you see the girl's 
a — a — {ivith a sharp glance at Jimmy) a — musician, 
and doesn't want to marry anybody, she wants to be 
free to work. 

Jimmy, {frowning and thinking) H'm, bit of a 
facer, [suddenly) By Jove ! I have it. She'll 
have to spoof her mother. 

Peggy, {puzzled and staring at him) " Spoof 
her mother ? " What do you mean ? 

Jimmy. Why, don't you see ? She'll have to make 
her mother believe that she is married to some one 
else. 

Peggy, (her lips parting, her eyes glittering, draw- 
ing in her breath) Oh-h-h ! I never thought of that. 

JiMxMY. Once her mother and the man think that 
she is married, they'll marry, — and everybody's all 
right. 

Peggy, {her face simply alight with delight and 
excitement) I — I'll do it. 

{She jumps up impetuously, scattering her papers all 
over the floor, and crying out impulsively to Jimmy) 

You — you darling ! {she puts her hands on his 
shoulders and kisses him in her delight and excitement. 
Then suddenly realizing ivhat she has done, stands 
petrified, close to him, staring with comic horror straight 
in his eyes, with her hand over her mouth) 



62 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act I. 

{There is a second's 'pause, and they stare into each other'' s 
eyes, then Peggy shrinks back with a horrified cry.) 

Oh, what have I done ? (backing aivay from him) 
I never thought what I was doing ! I — I'm always 
doing things like that {hastily correcting herself), — 

no, no, no, I didn't mean that — I {very confused) 

Oh ! what will you think of me ? 

Jimmy, {moving towards her, smiling) "Think" ? 
{advancing a step as though to take hold of her) 

Peggy, {alarmed) I — I think it's time I went 
to mother, {she turns, and snakes a bolt for the stair- 
case, and runs up the first flight hurriedly, turning and 
speaking over banisters from the top) I didn't mean it, 
really, {she runs Jiastily across landing at the top, 
and then stops, extreme r., and leans over banisters, 
and speaks down to him) I — I just — did it, — all of a 
sudden ! {exits r., quickly, leaving Jimmy standing, 
back to audience, c, looking up after her, as she exits) 

very quick curtain. 



ACT II. 

The Suddenness of Consequences.' 
Scene. — Jimmy's Hat in London. 
Time. — A week later. 




Door 



Armcliair 

in Chair 



h-i. Table'l 




Fire- 
place 



Club •. 
Fender 



Plan of Scene of Act II. 

Jimmy's flat in Town is a cosily furnished man's 
room. Fireplace with high fender l., door between 
this and hack ivall. Large bow window across back, 
and another door down towards footlights on l. wall. 
Settee running out from fireplace. Small " smoking " 

63 



64 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. [Act II. 

table to n. of it, and armchair r. of that. Slightly 
larger table, settee, and chairs, R., as on flan. 

{At rise of curtain Lucas is discovered c, he looks 
round the room and then goes and lifts up lower flap 
of table, R., and as he does so door bell rings off l. 
He exits l. Enter Jimmy in hat and carrying light 
overcoat. He turns and calls r.) 

Jimmy, {calling) Lucas, just bring that bag 
here a minute, before you take it to my room. 
(throws coat over chair at back.) 

{Enter Lucas carrying suit-case seen in Act. I.) 

Jimmy, {pulling off his gloves) Stick it on that 
chair for a minute. I want something out. 

Lucas, {puts bag on l.c. chair and undoes the 
catches) I expected you back yesterday, sir. 

Jimmy. Yes, I know, but I lost the last train. 
{crossing to bag) 

Lucas, {fidgeting and a little nervously) It was 
my thinking you'd be back, sir, that led me to 

Jimmy, {rummaging in bag, and not listening to 
him) Oh, by the way, I want all my things packed 
to-day, Lucas. I'm clearing out of here to-morrow, 
for good. 

Lucas, {surprised) To-morrow, sir ? I thought 
you didn't sail until Saturday, sir. 

Jimmy, {digging out a box of cigars and some papers) 
I don't, but I've just heard that your master's com- 
ing back to town on Friday, {putting cigar box and 
papers on mantelshelf) And as I don't want him, 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 65 

after lending me his flat for six months, to find all my 
litter about when he comes back, I'll clear out to- 
morrow, {pointing to hag) I've done with that now. 

Lucas, {closing hag and taking it off chair, inching 
up Jimmy's coat and hat, standing holding them all) 
About last night, sir 

Jimmy, {as he glances at papers he is holding) Oh, 
I hope you didn't wait up for me, did you ? 

Lucas, {uncomfortably) N-no, sir, that's just 
what I 

{The door hell rings and Lucas starts and listens.) 

I expect that'll he the young lady, sir. 

Jimmy, {putting papers on mantelpiece, and turn- 
ing sharply) What young lady ? 

Lucas. Miss O'Mara, sir 

(Jimmy starts and turns sharj)ly.) 

She called several times yesterday, and at last 

{hesitates) Well, I hope I did right, sir. 

{The hell rings again more sharply.) 

Jimmy, {impatiently) Don't keep her waiting. 

Lucas, {going to door) But I just wanted to ex- 
plain, sir 

Jimmy. Oh, confound your explanations, they'll 
keep. 

Lucas, {uncomfortahly) Oh, very well, sir, only 

I 

{The hell rings again.) 



66 ALL-OF-A SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Jimmy. Oh, go to the door, confound you. 

(Lucas exits with bag.) 

{standing c, puzzled) Peggy — here ? What on 
earth ? 



Peggy, {off) Oh, he's come ? That's all right. 

{There is a sound of hurrying feet and enter Peggy — 
she hursts into the room impulsively, with a hunch of 
flowers in her hand. She is looking bright and full 
of high spirits, hut attacks Jimmy with mock severity 
the moment she is inside the door.) 

Peggy, {with mock severity) Well ? Now what 
have you got to say for yourself ? Do you never 
come home until — the next morning ? . . . I won- 
der you can look me in the face. I've been waiting 
to see you for the last twenty-four hours. Where 
have you been ? 

{She suddenly smiles, and they shake hands.) 

Jimmy, {still holding her hand) I was called away 
suddenly on Ceylon business. 

Peggy. But you said you should be in town every 
day until you sailed, or I shouldn't have come up. 

Jimmy, {still holding her hand) I thought I 
should, and if I'd known there was the slightest 
chance of seeing you 

Peggy, {smiling) There's always a chance of 
anything, where I'm concerned. 

Jimmy. Yes, but {drops her hand, and looks away 
awkivardly) after your very definite refusal of me, 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEISr PEGGY. 



67 



that last day at Hawkhurst, I thought we'd said 
good-bye for good, 

Peggy, (hastily) Yes, but— well, something's 
happened, and I had to see you. (goes up and puts 
floivers down on writing-table) 

Jimmy. Why didn't you write, and let me know 
you were coming ? 

Peggy. I couldn't, I only decided in the middle 
of the night, {takes off her hat and puts it on writing- 
table) 

Jimmy, (smiling) In fact— " all of a sudden," 
eh? 

Peggy, (smiling hack) Yes, and of course I had 
to pay for my suddenness. 

Jimmy. How ? 

Peggy. Well, just to think of poor little me, all 
alone last night, with my poor little nose glued to the 
window, watching for you at one o'clock in the 
morning. 

Jimmy, (startled and serious) One o'clock in the 
morning ? Where ? . . . What window ? 

Peggy, (pointing to the boiv window) Why, that 
window, of course. 

Jimmy, (incredulously) That window ? 
Good Lord, but how did you get back to Hawkhurst ? 

Peggy, (easily) I didn't get back, (crossing l. 
and fetching two vases from mantelshelf) 

Jimmy. Then where did you go ? 

Peggy, (in a matter-of-fact tone) I stayed here. 
{putting vases on table, c.) 



68 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Jimmy, [almost jumping) Here ? 

Peggy. Yes. {fetching paper of floivers from 
writing-table, and bringing them to table) Didn't your 
man tell you I'd been here all night ? 

Jimmy, (gasping) Good Lord, no. Not a word ! 
But what on earth possessed you to do such a mad 
thing ? 

Peggy. There ! That's just hke a man. When 
it was all your fault, too. 

Jimmy, {bewildered) My fault ? 

Peggy, {sitting down l. c. and arranging flowers 
in vases) Yes, of course it was. You should have 
either come back in decent time, or wired, or some- 
thing, and 

Jimmy. And surely when I never turned up 



Peggy, {impatiently) Oh, how on earth was I 
to know you'd never turn up, without waiting to 
see ? Do be reasonable. 

Jimmy, {crossing to r.) But to wait all night ! 
I can't for the life of me understand how you could 
dream of 

Peggy, {stamping her foot impatiently) Oh, wait, 
— listen ! I'd been calling here about once an hour, 
all day, and sitting in tea shops and the Park be- 
tween whiles — until I was sick of the sight of both 
of them, and when I came back in the evening, for 
the eighth time, — I found I'd had my pocket picked, 
and so I asked your man to let me come in, and wait. 
As it happened, you'd promised him the night off 

Jimmy. Yes, yes, so I did, — I remember. 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 69 

Peggy. But he expected you back every minute, 
and of course he knew me, so he went out, and I came 
in, and waited. 

Jimmy. All alone, here ? 

Peggy, {taking vases and 'putting them hack on 
mantelshelf) Oh, I didn't mind that, I was only too 
thankful to be able to rest on that comfy sofa over 
there, and I was so dead tired, that I fell asleep, — 
fast asleep, in fact I don't remember anything more 
until your man came in and woke me, when — to my 
horror, it was after twelve. 

Jimmy. Good heavens ! 

Peggy. Well, I simply couldn't go wandering 
about to find a room, at that time of night, {sits on 
club fender) 

Jimmy. Then what — where ? 

Peggy. Oh, I got your man to get me your 
slippers, and a travelling rug, and " bivouac-ed " on 
the sofa there. I was quite comfy, really. 

Jimmy, {crossing l. again, and standing near 
settee — anxiously) But, my dear child, what about 
your mother — the people at Hawkhurst ? Do they 
know where you are ? 

Peggy, {with her old mischievous twinkle in her 
eyes) No ! 

Jimmy. Then what on earth will they think has 
become of you ? 

Peggy. Oh, that's all right. You see {bubbling 
with laughter) they think I'm married to you. 

Jimmy {starting violently and gasping) What ! ! 



70 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

{He sits down suddenly and heavily on the settee, 
and stares at her with his mouth open. Peggy 
grins at him wickedly. There is a moment's pause, 
when Lucas enters, carrying folding breakfast tray, 
with breakfast. Dry toast, pot of honey, entree dish 
with chicken, tea, etc.) 

Jimmy, {turning and ivaving Lucas away, im- 
patiently) Take that away. I don't want any 
breakfast. 

(Lucas turns and is about to go.) 

Peggy, {demurely) But / do, please. 
Jimmy, {turning to her) What, haven't you had 
any? 

(Peggy shakes her head.) 

Jimmy. Here, stop, Lucas. You can put that 
down, and go and get another cup and things. 

Lucas, {putting tray on table, k.) I took the 
liberty of bringing breakfast for two, sir. 

Jimmy, {sharply) What ? {shortly) Oh, all right. 
{turns away, looking annoyed and troubled.) 

(Lucas arranges the breakfast, and Peggy fills in the 
pause in the conversation by chattering brightly 
as she arranges vases on mantelpiece.) 
Peggy. These were the only flowers I could 

afford, this morning. 

(Jimmy turns and watches her.) 
That wretched pickpocket only left me with half a 
crown, that I had loose in the bottom of my pocket. 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 71 

That's why I didn't breakfast out. I got these at 
Co vent Garden. I've had such a prowl round. 
{Stepping back and surveying her floivers) There ! 
They're not bad for sixpence, are they ? I spent the 
rest of the half-crown at a hairdresser's, I couldn't 
have faced you without that, {looking at herself in 
mirror on table l. c. and touching her hair) They've 
made it a bit too fluffy, but still I don't look as though 
I'd been out all night, and that's something. 

(Lucas has now arranged the breakfast table and sets 
two chairs.) 

Peggy, {crossing and clapping her hands as he 
draws back her chair for her) Oh, breakfast, {sits 
down facing audience and turns to Jimmy) Come 
and sit down, I'm awfully hungry. 

(Jimmy crosses behind her chair, glares at Lucas, 
and then sits down on l. side of table.) 
Lucas, {taking cover off entree dish) Fricassee of 
'^ehicken, m'am. {to Jimmy) They forgot to send 
any fish, sir. 

Jimmy, {shortly) All right. You needn't wait. 

(Peggy has poured out tea, and helped herself and 
Jimmy to fricassee of chicken during this.) 

Lucas. Very good, sir. 

{Exit Lucas.) 

Peggy, {pushing cup of tea towards Jimmy) Oh, 
do wake up. You don't seem a bit interested in 
breakfast. 



72 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Jimmy, {pushing his plate away) I'm not. The 
only thing that interests me just now, is {drily) — our 
marriage. 

Peggy, {looking up) Our what ? {then seeing 
what he means and laughing) Oh, I see — ha, ha ! 
The salt, please. 

Jimmy, {hands the cruet to her) When you've 
fortified yourself a little, might I be allowed to know 
why your mother, and mine, should think that you 
and I are married ? 

Peggy, {eating vigorously) Well, it was your 
idea, you know. 

Jimmy, {starting up and staring at her) My idea ? 
Well, I'm 

Peggy, {holding up her knife ivarningly) Hsh ! 
If only you'd sit down and eat something, you 
wouldn't want to say such dreadful things. 

(Jimmy stares at her helplessly.) 

Don't glare so. {eating) This chicken's awfully 
tough. D'you mind cutting me some bread ? 

Jimmy. Eh ? Oh, bread — certainly ! (begin- 
ning to cut bread) This gets interesting, {thought- 
fully carving the loaf) The people at Hawkhurst 
think we're married, and it was my idea. H'm ! 
{goes on solemnly cutting slice after slice of bread 
absent-mindedly) 

Peggy, {looking at pile of slices of bread he has 
cut, and then touching his arm, to attract his attention) 
I don't want mu<;h. 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 73 

Jimmy, {roused as though awaking) Eh ? Oh ! 
{hands her small piece of bread and then asks calmly) 
Do you happen to have any other interesting news 
for me about myself ? I seem to be a bit behind the 
times. 

Peggy. Butter, please. 

(Jimmy hands her butter.) 

Peggy, {buttering some bread) Speaking of news, 
— I must tell you 

Jimmy, {stopping her) Wait a bit. I should 
like to get the hang of this news first. 

Peggy. Why, don't you remember helping me 
with that plot, the day we first met at Hawkhurst ? 

(Jimmy looks puzzled.) 

The plot about a girl who wanted to marry her 
mother. Why, you told me how to work it out. 

Jimmy. Yes, I remember, but what's that got to 
do with all this ? 

Peggy. Everything. It was all true, and I was 
the girl, {eating) 

Jimmy. What ? 

Peggy. Perhaps you didn't know, but mother was 
awfully keen on marrying me to Lord Crackenthorpe ! 

Jimmy, {drily) M-m-m ! Yes, I sort o' gathered 
that. 

Peggy. Well, really, the proper person to marry 
him, was mother, herself. 

Jimmy, {opening his eyes) Oh ! Was she ? 



74 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. 

Peggy. Why, they were simply made for each 
other, — anybody could see that. 

Jimmy, {drily) M-m ! I don't believe my mother 
noticed it. 

Peggy. Well, the trouble was, that that dear, 
stupid, unselfish little mother of mine thought / 
ought to be Lady Crackenthorpe, and that dear, 
stupid brother of yours couldn't make up his mind 
while I was about, and there it stuck, until you gave 
me the tip. 

Jimmy. What tip ? 

Peggy. Why, to make them both believe that 
I'd married somebody else, of course. 

Jimmy, [the ivJiole thing striking him in a flash) 
By Jove ! Then d'you mean you've made 'em all 
believe you're married to me ? 

Peggy, (quaintly) Yes. I ran away with you, — 
yesterday. 

Jimmy, (gasping — feebly) The deuce you did ! 

Peggy, (laughing at him) You'd better have 
something, really. I haven't half finished yet. 
Have some coffee ? 

Jimmy. No, nothing but a brandy and soda'd be 
any good to me, now. Phew ! (dabs his hrow ivith 
handkerchief. Crosses behind Jier chair, up to windoiv, 
agitatedly, and then comes doivn to l. of her chair) It 
mayn't strike you as any business of mine, but, may 
I know where we're supposed to be now ? 

Peggy. I'm not sure ; — Paris, I should think, 
shouldn't you ? 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 75 

Jimmy. Eh ? {giving himself up to it) Oh, yes, 
yes, — 'hkely place for a sudden honeymoon. I 
suppose we are on our honeymoon, aren't we ? 

Peggy, {changing her -plate) Well, I'm not quite 
sure whether it's called a honeymoon when people 
elope, and get married at a registry office. 

Jimmy, {grimly) Oh, so we were married at a 
registry office, were we ? 

(Peggy nods.) 

Any particular registry office, may I ask ? 

Peggy, {promptly) Yes, the one in Mount Street, 
here, of course. 

Jimmy. Oh, of course, I might ha' known. 

Peggy, {rattling on, as she butters her bread) You 
know, when I got up to town yesterday morning — 
(breaking off) — of course I slipped out of the house at 
Hawkhurst, before any one was up. I did the whole 
thing just as though I really ivere eloping, you know. 

Jimmy. What, down to the thick veil, dressing- 
bag, and a farewell letter left in your bedroom ? 

Peggy, {nodding brightly) Yes. {putting down her 
knife and fork) I'm tired of wrestling with this 
chicken. Is there any marmalade ? 

Jimmy, {crossing to table and picking up pot, 
and reading label) Oh, honey, {brings it to her) 
Most a propos — under the circumstances. 

Peggy, {laughs and looking up at him) Spoon, 
please. 

(Jimmy hands her a spoon.) 



76 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Peggy, (laughing and helping herself to some 
honey) Do smoke, if you won't eat, then I shan't 
feel I have to hurry. 

Jimmy. Thanks, {goes up and gets cigarette from 
box on tvriting-table) Well, you left the usual letter 
for your mother, and 

Peggy, {interrupting) No, not for mother, — it 
was for Lord Crackenthorpe. 

Jimmy, {coming down r. of table, surprised) For 
Anthony ? . . . Why on earth did you write to him ? 

Peggy, {chuckling over her bread and honey) 
Oh, that was a great move. 

Jimmy. How ? {sits doivn again on settee on 
Peggy's r.) 

Peggy. Well, you see, I pretended in my letter 
to him that I daren't tell mother, and begged him to 
break the news to her, and — {with a iviched twinkle) — • 
comfort her. See ? 

Jimmy. I should think I do ? Anthony as the 
sympathetic friend, stroking your mother's hand. 
Your mother breaking down, and weeping on An- 
thony's shoulder ; — I should think I do see. 

Peggy, {eating bread and honey, complacently 
and smiling) Yes ! I think it was a brilliant idea of 
yours. 

Jimmy. Eh ? {starting up) Of mine ? Oh, that's 
right, put it down to me. {crosses l. c.) 

Peggy. Well, I don't want to take all the credit. 

Jimmy, {turning and looking at her — drily) Or 
the consequences, eh? 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 77 

Peggy, {lightly) Oh, let the consequences take 
care of themselves. 

Jimmy. Oh, by all means, let 'em, if they only will. 

Peggy. {thougJitfully) I wish mother would 
write. 

Jimmy. I wonder she hasn't turned up here, before 
now. 

Peggy. Oh, I wired to prevent that, yesterday 
morning. 

Jimmy. Awkward thing to put in a wire, wasn't it ? 

Peggy, {cheerfully) Not a bit. I just put 
" Married— Mount Street— Registry Office. Off 
away — good-bye — Peggy . ' ' 

Jimmy, {gazing at her) You are a marvel ! . . . 
Then, — " the rest is silence ? " 

Peggy. Yes, but she's sure to write here, and ask 
them to forward her letter. I'm simply dying to know 
what's happened. 

Jimmy. Oh, you'll know soon enough. In the 
meantime it's a trifling and totally unimportant 
matter, but — what price me ? 

Peggy. How d'you mean ? 

Jimmy. "Well, seeing I'm supposed to have bolted 
with you, I'm in the limelight now. What is my pre- 
cise position ? 'Seems to me you've landed both of 
us into a pretty tight place. 

Peggy. Well, that's rather where I thought you'd 
come in. 

Jimmy. Oh, — how ? 

Peggy. By finding a way out of it. 



78 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. 

Jimmy, {drily) Oh, I thought I should come in 
somewhere, (looks at her and shakes his head) You 
know, you ought to have let me into this before. You 
ought, really. 

Peggy. That means you think I've been horrid 
about it. 

Jimmy. Not a bit, only seeing I was playing a star 
part 

Peggy, {hastily) Oh ! But I never intended 
you to play any part at all, until two days ago. But 
things had reached a crisis, and something had to be 
done quickly. I was desperate, and you weren't 
there to ask, there was no one else, and I — well, I did 
it. {rises, throws down her table napkin and crosses up 
to windoiv seat) 

Jimmy, {amused, in spite of himself) " All of a 
sudden," once more, eh ? 

Peggy, {sitting on r. corner of window seat) I 
simply hated myself for having dragged you into it, 
when it was too late. 

Jimmy, {easily) Oh, that's all right, {goes up 
and sits on window seat near her) 

Peggy, {impulsively) No, it isn't. When I came 
to think things over, in your room here yester- 
day, I was so wild with myself that I — I decided I 
would marry you, as you asked me to at Hawkhurst. 

Jimmy, {leaning towards her, eagerly) Peggy! 

Peggy, {holding up hand) No, that was last 
night. Now that the excitement has worn off, I can 
see it wouldn't be fair to you. 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 79 

Jimmy. Fair to me ? Look here, I'm the best 
judge of that. 

Peggy. No, you're not. (Jimmy is about to 
speak) No, Jimmy, I Jcnoiv myself. Unless I loved 
a man more than I feel I ever shall love anybody, 
I should make his life a little — {with a significant 
nod) — you know what ! {lays her hand on his arm) 
I hke you far too much to risk that. It's no use, I'm 
too much in love with my writing. 

Jimmy. But, look here, so long as I should be 
satisfied 

Peggy. But you wouldn't. Men always say 
they'll be satisfied with "half a loaf," beforehand, 
but unless they get the whole loaf, afterwards, they 
always end by chipping a piece off some one else's. 

Jimmy, (beginning to protest) No, no 

{Enter Lucas, l., with salver on which he carries news^ 
paper and some letters. He crosses to Jimmy) 

Lucas, {holding out tray) Beg pardon, sir, I 
quite forgot. Your letters and the morning paper. 

Jimmy, {impatiently) All right. Put them down 
on the table, anywhere. 

(Lucas places letters and newspaper on table l. c. and 
exits.) 

Peggy, {crossing hastily and looking through letters 
left by Lucas) Jimmy, here's a letter from Major 
Phipps ; I know the writing. Do open it, and see if 
there's any news about mother. Be quick ! 

Jimmy, {comes down on her r., takes and opens 



80 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

letter, glances through — and then suddenly his eyes 
start, and his whole face changes — staring at letter) 
The devil! {then furiously) The fool! Oh-h-h ! 
The meddling old fool. 

Peggy, {indignantly) How dare you speak of 
mother like that. 

Jimmy. Oh, I'm not talking about your mother, — 
it's Uncle Archie, {points to letter and simply choking 
ivith rage) He — he thinks we are married ! 

Peggy. Well, of course he does. 

Jimmy. Yes, but — he's stuck it in the paper ! 

Peggy. You don't mean it. 

Jimmy. {furiously) Yes, the old ass says he was 
lunching yesterday with a chap on the Morning 
Post, and asked him to work in a special paragraph, 
— some rot about having done it " for the good of 

the family " to stop people talking {breaking 

off and handing Peggy the letter) Oh-h-h ! The 
old fool, {crumples up envelope and hurls it into 
fireplace, and paces up and down furiously) 

Peggy, {glances through letter and then turns to 
table) Is that the Morning Post {picks up news- 
paper) Yes, let's look. 

{They both try to open newspaper different ivays at 
same time. Peggy gets sole possession, looks down 
and exclaims) 

Here it is. 

Jimmy, {looking over her shoulder) Where? 
Where ? 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 81 

Peggy, {pointing) There ! 

(Jimmy catches hold of one side of the paper, and Peggy 
holds the other. They stand reading it, toith their 
heads close together.) 

Jimmy, {reading out the paragraph) " We are 
informed that the Hon. James Keppel, second son 
of the late Lord Crackenthorpe and brother of the 
present peer, was married — {thetj pause, and look 
at each other) — privately yesterday to Peggy, only 
daughter of the late Professor O'Mara, F.R.S., the 
eminent authority on Trap-door spiders. The cere- 
mony was quite private, and the happy couple have 
left for the Continent, en route for the bridegroom's 
tea plantations in Ceylon." 

{They turn and look at each other.) 

Jimmy, {unable to express himself) There ! What 
d'you think of it ? 

Peggy, {dropping her side of the paper, dropping 
on to settee, and going off into an uncontrollable fit of 
laughter) Oh, ha, ha, ha, ha ! {she laughs until she 
becomes quite hysterical and she cries ivith laughter, 
and sits down drying her eyes) 

Jimmy, {watching her ivith a terribly serious face, 
and when her laughing fit has exhausted itself, speaking 
grimly) It may strike you as funny to read about 
your wedding in the paper, but, perhaps you can 
tell me, what we are going to do now ? 

Peggy, {still laughing in spasms and tviping 
eyes) Oh, ha, ha, ha ! 

F 



S2 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Jimmy, (holding out newspaper) Do you realize 
that this wretched paper will be on half the breakfast 
tables in London ? How in the world are we going 
to contradict it ? 

Peggy, {sharply) We're not going to contradict 
it,— yet. 

Jimmy. Nonsense ! 

Peggy, (decisively) Not until I hear about 
mother. Why, it would spoil everything. 

Jimmy, (protesting) But, can't you see ? 

{Enter Lucas.) 

Lucas, (announcing) Mr. Menzies ! 

{Enter Jack Menzies, dressed entirely in black, carrying 
silk hat.) 

Jack, (conies in breezily) My dear old chap, 
this is splendid, (slapping Jimmy on shoulder — to 
Peggy) How d'you do, Mrs. Keppel ? 

(Jimmy starts at the'"'' Mrs. Keppel,'''' and turning aivay 
viciously, slaps his l. hand ivith folded newspaper, 
but Jack doesn't notice.) 

Jack, (vigorously shaking Peggy's hand) Hearty 
congratulations ! Jimmy's one o' the best, (shaking 
his fist at Jimmy) You old ruffian, to leave me to 
find it out from the paper. Hullo (pointing ivith 
his stick to newspaper in Jimmy's hand), havin' a look 
at it yourself — what ? (poking him in the ribs ivith 
his stick) Good luck, old man ; well now, come 
along, let's know all about it. {sits on chair r. of 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 83 

table L. c. Peggy sitting on settee on his l.) When 
did it come off ? — Out with it. 

Jimmy, (the first chance he has had of sf caking) 
Look here, Jack, it's all 

Peggy, {cutting in desperately and droicning 
Jimmy) No, no, Mr, Menzies, we're not going to 
tell you about what's over. It's — {looking at Jimmy 
meaningly) — it's our little secret. 

Jimmy, {impatiently) Nonsense ! Listen, Jack, I 
want to explain 

Peggy, {decisively to Jimmy) No, Jimmy, I 
insist. 

Jimmy, {protesting) But 

Peggy, {strongly) There are no " buts " about 
it. I say — no ! 

Jack, {applauding ivith his stick on the floor and 
chuckling) Bravo ! Mrs. Keppel, that's the style. 
You start as you mean to go on. Jimmy's wanted, 
keepin' in order for a long time, {looking at his 
watch) But, look here, let's talk about the future, 
that's what I came in about, really, {rushes on 
from this point to his exit, without a break, or giving 
any one a chance to get in a single word) 'Fact is, 
Jimmy, you'll hardly believe it, but — the old man's 
gone. Died yesterday afternoon — poor old chap. 
Just off to see the lawyers now. Haven't a minute, 
but I felt I must slip in to say that the Land Agent's 
berth is yours, so you can cable out to Ceylon, and 
tell 'em to go to the deuce, {turns to Peggy) Excuse 
me, Mrs. Keppel, but I'm a bit excited. Jimmy's 



84 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

an old pal o' mine, and I've been sick to get this 
billet liere at home for him, for years. 'Course now 
he's married, it's for you to decide, so talk it over, 
and settle it between you. (backing to the door) No, 
no, don't move, go on with your breakfast, let myself 
out. I'll either come back in half an hour, or ring 
you up on the telephone, to hear your decision. 
Good-bye. Good-bye Jimmy. Good-bye Mrs. Kep- 
pel, 

(Rushes out and bangs door, leaving Peggy and Jimmy 
gasping and speechless — pause — they look at each 
other.) 

Peggy, [taking a long breath) Oh-h-h ! {laughs) 
" Mrs Keppel ! " Did you hear him ? 

Jimmy, (irritably) Of course I heard him. Why 
didn't you let me tell him. What on earth am I to 
say to him now ? 

Peggy. Oh, you'll take his offer, of course. Why, 
you've been simply aching for it, and now you won't 
have to go back to that horrid Ceylon. How lovely 
for you ! 

Jimmy, (interrupting) Oh, I'm not thinking 
about that, I'm thinking about Jack, (suddenly) 
Why, he'll be telling half London he's been here, and 
seen us. I must stop him. (runs to bow ivindow) 
There he is, getting into a hansom. Hi, Jack, half a 
minute. Jack. 

(Jimmy rushes across room l., throwing newspaper on 
to settee as he passes, and exits l.) 



i 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 85 

Peggy, {stands for a moment c, then runs up to 
bow window, and looks down into street and exclaims) 
Ah, he's too late. That's all right, {turns hack into 
room smiling) 

{Enter Lucas with letter on tray) 
Peggy, {eagerly) Oh, is that for me ? 
Lucas. No, miss, — that is, it's addressed " Mrs. 

Keppel." {looks at Peggy curiously) 
Peggy, {controlling her excitement) Oh well, put 

it on the table. Mr. Keppel will be back in a minute. 

(Lucas ■puts letter on table l. c, gathers breakfast 
things, and at that moment the hall-door bell rings) 

(Lucas takes breakfast tray and exits l.) 

{The pause is filled by a street piano playing off) 

Peggy, {remains kneeling on window seat, until he 
has gone, and then impatiently seizes the letter) It is 
from mother. {Bursts it open, and looks through it 
feverishly, muttering words under her breath — simply 
reading aloud the words) " Lord Crackenthorpe . . . 
turns over page) . . . has asked me to marry him." 
{utters a delighted cry, and waving the letter triumph- 
antly, she ivaltzes wildly round the room) 

{The door opens suddenly, and enter Lady Cracken- 
thorpe and Major Archie Phipps. She is very 
smartly dressed, and the Major is in a black morning 
coat and silk hat. They enter and stand staring at 
Peggy.) 
Peggy, {ivaltzing until she suddenly finds herself 



,86 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY, [Act II. 

face to face with Lady Crackenthoepe, and then staf- 
fing dead and futting her hand to her mouth, half 
checking a startled cry) Oh-h-h ! 

Lady Crackenthoepe . (grimly) Oh, so you're 
here ! I suppose you didn't expect to have to face 
me just yet. (breathing short) Where's my son ? 

Peggy, {her eyes glittering ivicJcedly a moment and 
then saying sweetly) Jimmy's gone out. He'll be 
so glad you've come to see us so soon. 

Lady Ceackenthoepe. (indignantly) What ? 

Aechie. (coming between Lady Ceackenthoepe 
and Peggy, c, and trying to smooth matters) The fact 
is, we never expected to see either of you. We just 
looked in on the chance of the man here knowin' 
where you'd both gone. You see, we thought you'd 
slipped over to Paris or somewhere. 

Peggy, (a little at a loss) Well, you see — I — we — 
we changed our minds. 

Archie, (f lacing his hat and stick on writing- 
table) Ya-as, of course. Will Jimmy be long ? 

Peggy. No, he only ran down to the door. I 
wonder he didn't meet you on the stairs. 

Archie. Not me ! Nobody ever meets me on 
any stairs, when there's a lift. 

Peggy, (listening suddenly) Hsh ! I think I 
hear him. (looks at them both irresolutely for a minute, 
and then suddenly runs to door, saying) I'll tell him 
you're here. 

(Exits L. and shuts the door after her.) 



Act II] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 87 

(Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie look at each other.) 

Archie, {'pulling his moustache) 'Deuced odd ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) Odd ? Most 
annoying, I call it. 

Archie. 'Don't see that. Why ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {annoyed) I didn't want 
to meet that girl. How on earth am I to treat her 
now ? 

Archie. Oh, kiss her and forgive her. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {drawing herself up) Kiss 
her? 

Archie. Of course — usual thing, an' seein' she's 
saved the show by boltin' with Jimmy 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {irritably) That girl my 
daughter-in-law ! It's no use, Archie, I'd better go. 
If I stay I shall be certain to quarrel with her, or else 
make a fool of myself. 

Archie. Then, for Heaven's sake, Charlotte, tnake 
a fool of yourself — ^that'll be easy enough. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {affronted) Archie ! 

Archie. Well, I mean — seein' we rushed Jimmy 
into this, you might — er — well, dash it all, it's all for 
the good o' the fam'ly, so 

{Re-enter Peggy. Archie stands r. c. and Lady 
Crackenthorpe .lc.) 

Peggy, {rather out of breath) I was wrong. I've 
been down to the hall door, and he's nowhere in sight. 
{hinting politely to get rid of them) Perhaps you'd 
prefer to come back, a little later ? 



88 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Archie, {gallantly, fixing his eyeglass) No, by- 
Jove, we'll stay and talk to you, eh, Charlotte ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {stiffly) I suppose we 
must. 

Peggy, (blankly, standing c. between them, ivith a 
forced smile) Oh, how — nice ! 

{There is an awkward 'pause. Archie ogles Peggy 
through his eyeglass, pulls his moustache, and then 
laughs aivkwardly. Lady Crackenthorpe main- 
tains a frigid silence.) 

Peggy, (breaking the silence) I don't think he'll 
be long, {runs to window and looks down the street) 

(Archie nudges Lady Crackenthorpe and points 
to Peggy, implying she must speak to her !) 

Archie. Now's the time, Charlotte, buck up ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {coughing nervously and 
speaking ivith an effort) Well, Miss O'Ma — er — 

1 mean {doesn't know what to call Peggy and at 

last, with a choke, says) My — my dear — as Jimmy's 

mother, I suppose I — well, I suppose we — we 

{ending abruptly and desperately) Oh, for Heaven's 
sake, let's kiss and get it over. 

(Peggy comes down with suppressed amusement. 
Lady Crackenthorpe stands c, and as Peggy 
approaches her, she shuts her eyes and holds her cheek 
for Peggy's salute. Peggy, her eyes dancing with 
mischief, instead of kissing Lady Crackenthorpe 
shuts her eyes, and holds out her cheek ; so they both 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY 89 

stand, tvith tightly closed eyes and coiwpressed lips, 
holding their cheeks towards each other, each waiting 
for the other's salute. Archie shakes with silent 
laughter.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {without opening her eyes — 
in a chilly voice) I'm waiting. 

Peggy, {opening her eyes and taking a rapid glance 
at Lady Crackenthorpe, and then resuming former 
attitude and closing her eyes) I'm quite ready. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {opening her eyes, and 
seeing Peggy ivaiting patiently, ivith her cheek thrust 
out) What! . . . Oh-h-h! 

Archie, {motioning ivith his stick for her to kiss 
Peggy) Go on. — Switch on. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {hesitating a moment, and 
then with a great effort, crossing and abruptly pecking 
at Peggy's cheek, and moving quickly away, with a 
sigh of relief) Oh-h-h ! {then under her breath) 
Thank Heaven, that's over, {crosses l. and sits on 
settee near fireplace) 

Peggy, {overhearing this, siveetly) I feel quite 
like one of the family, now. 

Archie, {straightening himself and brushing his 
moustache away from his lips) Then, perhaps as one 

o' the fam'ly, / may be allowed to {he crosses 

over to Peggy to kiss her) 

(Peggy backs away to r.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (severely) Archie ! I'm 
surprised. 



90 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Peggy, (sweetly) Are you Lady Crackenthorpe ? 
Fm not. 

• (Archie turns up stage in a huff.) 

Lady Ceackenthorpe. Speaking of the family, 
I think some little explanation is due to us. Have 
you nothing to say to me about all this ? 

Peggy, (innocently) Oh yes, — how's mother ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (losing her temper) I 
haven't the faintest idea. 

Archie, (coming doivn r. c. and trying to smooth 
things) No, you see, Charlotte and I were stayin' at 
AVindsor last night — a weddin' party, — so 

Peggy, {who still has her mother s letter in her 
hand) Oh, so you don't either of you know about — 
mother ? (glancing at letter) 

Archie. Lord, no ! What's wrong ? 

Peggy, (assuming innocent manner) Oh, nothing. 
Only I expect she'll be awfully worried about me. 
You see, she'd always set her heart on my making a 
really good match. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (indignantly) What ? 
You don't seem to realize that you are married to my 
son. 

Peggy, (demurely) No, I'm afraid I haven't quite 
realized it, — yet. 

(She sits on settee r. of breakfast-tahle r., and pichs up 
periodical lying on settee. There is another aivhward 
pause for a moment.) 

Archie, (uneasily) Jimmy's a deuce of a time. 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 91 

Peggy, (siveetly) Yes, perhaps he saw you both 
coming. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (indignantly) Miss O'Ma — 

I mean, Mrs. {with a burst of irritability) Oh, 

what in the world am I to call you ? 

Peggy, {with unruffled sweetness) Whatever you 
like, please. I suppose you'd like me to call you — 
" mother " ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rises, and Archie crosses 
and soothes her ; she is fuming) Archie, I simply can't 
stand much more. Will Jimmy never come ? {turns 
and goes up to bow ivindow and looks out) 

(Archie picks up the " Morning Post " from settee l. 
Re-enter Jimmy through door, down stage l.) 

Jimmy, {coming in out of breath) Couldn't catch 

him. Confound {stops dead, seeing Archie) 

Hullo ! 

Peggy. Oh, Jimmy, here's — mother, {pointing 
up to Lady Crackenthorpe, who is leaning out of 
window) 

Jimmy. Who ? {at this moment Lady Cracken- 
thorpe turns round) Why, it's the mater. 

Peggy. I told you so. 

Jimmy, {puzzled up c.) But you said 

Peggy, {sweetly) " Mother." 

(Lady Crackenthorpe is too angry to speak, and 
fumes silently.) 

Archie, {crossing r. %vith " Morning Post " in 



92 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

his hand — to Jimmy) Congratulate yer, my dear 
feller. Everybody will, when they know, {'pointing 
to newspaper he holds) They soon will now, haw, haw ! 
Hope you both of you liked my little " par " in the 
Post here. Deuced neatly worded, I think, consider- 
ing, (to Peggy) I'll bet a fiver you never thought 
o' puttin' it in yourselves. 

Peggy, {smiling) No, we never dreamt of such 
a thing. It ivas clever of you to think of it. 

Archie, {coming down to below chair r. c.) Ya-as. 
I thought you'd be pleased, {points to paper) Such 
a dashed good place, too, no one can miss it. 

Peggy. Yes, in fact there's only one little mistake 
about it, Major. 

Archie. Eh ? {looking at paper) What's wrong ? 

Peggy, {sweetly) Well, you see — it isn't true. 

{This falls like a thunderbolt. Lady Crackenthorpe 
comes down to l. c.) 

Archie. Not true ? {he looks first at Lady 
Crackenthorpe, then at Jimmy, then at Peggy, and 
then sits down heavihj on chair n.c.by breakfast table) 

Peggy. Jimmy and I are not married, at all ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {gasping) Not married ? 

Archie, {also gasping) The devil ! 

Jimmy, {coming forward and trying to calm his 
mother) Now, don't get excited, mater, do keep 
cool, and sit down, and 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {furiously) I will not 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 93 

sit down, (crosses in front of Jimmy to c.) If that 
girl is not married to you, what is she doing here ? 

Peggy, {quite simply) I'm staying here, that's all. 

Jimmy, {who is now down l. c, with horrified 
protest to Peggy) No, no, no ! 

Peggy {impatiently) Well, I ivas staying here 
last night, then. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {immeasurably shocked) 
Oh-h-h ! (backs to ivriting -table chair and drops into 
it, speechless) 

Archie, {looks at Peggy, pulls his moustache, then 
looks at the ceiling and coughs) Er — h'm-m-m ! 

Peggy, {looking round at them all) Why, what's 
the matter ? What have I said ? 

Archie, {rising and crossing l.) H'm, well, it's 
not exactly what you've said, that wants explaining 
a bit, it's 

Jimmy, {breaking in impatiently) Oh, don't talk 
rot. Look here, Fm responsible for Miss O'Mara's 
presence here, so she's not called upon to explain 
anything, to anybody. 

Peggy, {puzzled and perfectly innocently) But 
why shouldn't I explain ? I've done nothing wrong. 

Jimmy, {staggered) Why — do you ivish to tefl 
them? 

Peggy. Of course I do, it's simple enough, {turn- 
ing to Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie) I came 
here last night to see Jimmy, and he hadn't come 
home. I hadn't anywhere else to go, so his man let 
me come in and wait. I was awfully tired and I fell 



94 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN-PEGGY. [Act II. 

asleep. When the man woke me up, it was too late 
for me to go anywhere else, so I just stayed here, and 
slept on that sofa, and Jimmy came back this morning. 
There's nothing much in all that. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {drily) No, — hardly 
enough, I'm afraid. 

Jimmy, (froivning) These are only the bare 
facts, of course. 

Archie, {more puzzled than ever) But, look here, 
if you came up to town yesterday to marry Jimmy — 
{turning to Jimmy) — where the deuce were you ? 

Jimmy. I was called away suddenly on Ceylon 
business, early in the morning. 

Archie, {his face lighting) Oh ! Now I begin to 
see daylight. Why then, the weddin's only been put 
off. You'll fix it up to-day, — what ? 

Peggy, {decidedly) No. We're not going to be 
married, at all. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising and coming doivn 
c.) Not ? But what about your letter to Anthony ? 
Your wire to your mother ? 

Peggy, {suddenly realizing that to explain she'll 

have to expose her plot) Well, I — it was — j {sticks 

and looks appealingly to Jimmy) 

Jimmy, {coming to her rescue) Miss O'Mara de- 
cided to marry me, and changed her mind, that's all. 

(Peggy looks gratefully at Jimmy.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {furiously) But it's scan- 
dalous. We've told people, {crosses to fireplace) 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 95 

Akchie. {crossing down to extreme r., ruefidly 
looking at " Morning Post ") Ya-as, by Jove, and 
stuck it in the paper, too. What the deuce will 
Saunders of the Morning Post think o' me ? Seems 
to me, I'm going to look like a fool, {looks at Peggy) 
What the deuce can I tell 'em ? 

Peggy. Oh, don't ask me. You put it in. {shak- 
ing her head at him) You know it's rather a mistake 
to describe things that haven't happened, before they 
do, — in case they donH. {with this 'parting shot 
Peggy turns her hack and goes up stage, glancing at 
her mother'' s letter) 

Archie, {staring at the fatal paragraph, pulling 
his moustache and muttering) Dash it all ! 

Peggy, {crossing up to window, and speaking to 
Jimmy as she goes) Jimmy, may I speak to you for 
a minute ? I want to show you something. 

(Peggy sits on window seat, and Jimmy follows her and 
sits beside her. She shows him her mother^ s letter, 
and they talk in dumb show.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {crossing r. to Archie, 
and touching him on shoulder) Archie, Archie. 

Archie, {looking up from " Morning Post,'''' ivhich 
he is studying carefully) Eh — what ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {glancirig over her shoulder 
at Jimmy and Peggy, and dropping her voice) We're 
just where we were ! 

Archie. What are you drivin' at ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {in a rapid undertone) 



96 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

If they're not married, she's free to go back to Hawk- 
hurst. — Anthony — can't you see ? 

Archie, {throwing down paper on settee r.) Oh, 
the devil ! 

{Jimmy rises from window seat and comes doivn R. c.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {flurried) We must do 
something at once. Whatever happens she must 

marry Jimmy now. We must {catchmy sight of 

Jimmy coming towards them and breaking off) Hsh ! 

Jimmy, {joining them at table) Well, one thing's 
certain. Uncle Archie, we must have that paragraph 
contradicted at once. 

Archie, (looking at Lady Crackenthorpe) Lord, 
yes, dear feller, of course. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Nonsense, Archie, {to 
Jimmy) Such a thing would be fatal now. 

Jimmy, {turning in surprise) Fatal ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {quietly) To Miss O'Mara. 

Peggy, {hearing this and coming doivn to c.) Why ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a glitter in her eijes) 
Well, if we contradict that paragraph, we should have 
to tell your story, you know. 

Peggy. Why not ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {staring at Peggy in mock 
astonishment) Why not ? . . . Do you suppose for 
a moment that anybody would believe it ? 

Peggy, {rather taken aback) Why shouldn't they ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {shrugging her shoulders) 
Oh, if you think they would, and are prepared to risk 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEX PEGGY. 97 

it [she turns and goes up to writing-table and sits). 

Peggy, {looking first at Archie, then at Jimmy, 
L. c.) What? Do you mean any one would actually 

think that — that {she breaks off and looks at 

Jimmy and Archie) 

(Archie coughs. Both avoid her eyes and shuffle 
uncomfortably.) 

Peggy. Oh-h-h ! Jimmy, you don't think people 
would imagine 

Jimmy, {gravely) I'm afraid I do. Supposing 
that, by some accident, any one had happened to see 
you here, in the small hours, for instance 

Peggy. Well, some one did, if it comes to that. 

{They all stare at Peggy astonished.) 

Archie, {gives a low ivhistle) Whew ! 

Jimmy, {crossing to c. — alarmed) You don't 
really mean that, do you ? 

Peggy. Yes. 

Jimmy, {groaning) Good Lord, you never told 
me that. 

Peggy. No, I forgot. It was nothing. About 
two o'clock, I woke up suddenly and heard some 
one fumbling with a latchkey at the outer door. I 
thought it was you trying to get in, and that your 
man had locked up. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe rises at back and listens.) 

Jimmy, {advancing to Peggy) Well, well ? 

Peggy. So I jumped off the sofa, went out, opened 

G 



98 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

the door, and found myself face to face with Mrs. 
Colquhoun. 

[There is a chorus of dismay.) 

Lady C. \ Mrs. Colquhoun ! 

Jimmy, y [together) That woman ! 

Archie. ) Oh, Lord ! 

(Lady Crackenthorpe drofs into chair again. 

Archie crosses up to l. upper corner and back again, 

agitatedly slapping his leg with newspaper.) 

Jimmy, [anxiously, to Peggy) Well ? Well ? . . . 
Go on. 

Peggy. Well, we were both so startled that 
neither of us spoke for a minute, and then she drawled 
out something about having got to the wrong flat, 
stared at me as though she'd never seen me in her life 
before, and floated down the stairs without another 
word. 

Jimmy. Perhaps she didn't recognize you. 

Peggy. Oh, of course she did. I was dead 
under the electric light. 

Jimmy. But didn't you attempt to — to explain 
things ? 

Peggy. No, I was so astonished. Besides, I 
expect I was half asleep, and that woman always 
does paralyse me, even when I'm awake. 

{Jimmy throivs up his hands in despair and crosses R. 
to table.) 

Archie. But what on earth was she doin' here ? 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 99 

Jimmy, {dropping into chair r. c. near table) She's 
staying in the flat below, with that Howard woman. 

Archie. Mary Howard ? By Jove, she's a 
scorcher. 

Jimmy, (groaning) I know, there's a pair of 
'em, — they tear everybody to pieces. Oh, of all 
the infernal luck ! [smites table ivith fist) 

Peggy. There's nothing to make a fuss about. I 
shall simply go down and see them, and tell them the 
truth. 

Jimmy, (rising, shaking his head) No, no, you 
couldn't. They're not used to it. They wouldn't 
recognize it. They might believe a good lie, but the 
truth, — this truth, — no. You'd make things worse 
and worse, (crosses to window at back agitatedly) 

(Enter Lucas. He is carrying a huge basket of flowers 
ivith a big hoop handle tied up with enormous bows of 
ivhite satin ribbon.) 

Lucas, (announcing) The Honourable Mrs. Col- 
quhoun. (stands back to allow her to pass him) 

(Enter Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun. She is a tall, elegant, 
perfectly dressed woman, with a superbly languid 
manner, and a lazy, perfectly bred drawl. She 
patronizes and chills everybody with a bored stare 
through half-closed eyes. She is able to use slang 
in the grand manner.) 

Mrs. Colquhoun. (nodding to Peggy) How d'ye 
do, Mrs, Keppel ? (to Lucas, as she passes him, 



100 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. Act H. 

nodding to hasket of flowers in his hand) You can put 
that down. 

(Lucas follows her, and places hasket of flowers on 
table K., places chair for her r. c, and retires.) 

Mrs. Colquhoun. [sailing slowly across) Hope Vm 
not disturbin' things, (just touching Peggy's hand) 
Mornin', Jimmy, (nodding lazily to him) Oh, how 
are you, Lady Crackenthorpe ? [just touching her 
fingers and nodding casually to Archie) You here too, 
Major ? — Quite a family gatherin'. {she has managed 
in this one minute to make everybody look awkward and 
uncomfortable. She surveys them and smiles) It's all 
right, — 'shan't be long, {to Peggy) D'you mind if 
I " squat " a minute ? I do bar standin'. [sits 
and unfurls a fan, and fans herself deliberately) Goin' 
to be a reg'lar scorcher to-day. {turning to Peggy 
ivith a lazy smile) 'Saw that interestin' little para- 
graph in the Morning Post, — at least my maid read it 
out to me, — so, I just dropped in to wish you both luck, 
don't y'know. Hadn't an idea, or I'd ha' sent the 
usual fish slice, or somethin', so I've just brought up 
the flowers there {nodding in direction of basket on 
table) — to be goin' on with. Hope you'll both accept 
'em. 

{There is a moment'' s awkward pause.) 

Peggy, {stammering clumsily) N-no, I — we — we 
can't. 

(N.B. — From this moment, all through the following 
scene, both Jimmy and Archie, as ivell as Peggy, 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 101 

make repeated attempts to break in as though to 
explain, but Mrs. Colquhoun talks straight on 
ivithout heeding them. In short, her scene is like 
a monologue ivith interruptions.) 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {perfectly unmoved) Really ! 
{turns and stares languidly at Peggy) Why ? 

Peggy, {getting more and more confused under her 
calm gaze) Well, I — we — well — we simply can't^ 
that's all. 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {easily) Oh, I know. You're 
annoyed about last night, I remember now, vague 
idea I was a bit short with you on the stairs, — 'bit 
startlin', don't y'know, to see you in Jimmy's flat, 
in the small hours. 

Jimmy, {attempting to speak) Yes, but you see 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {cutting him short) 'Didn't 
even know you were engaged, you see. 'Stupid of me 
to be surprised, — especially nowadays, — 'fancy my 
nerves were a bit jumpy, — 'been havin' a rocky 
evenin' at bridge, so I suppose I was a bit un- 
sympathetic, — {smoothly to Peggy)— tf^as I ? 

Peggy, {getting more and more paralysed, but 
makin'' an effort to assert herself) Yes, but it wasn't 
that I 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {completely ignoring her and 
going calmly on) 'Course, directly my maid read out 
that you were married to Jimmy, I tumbled to it all, 
in a minute. 

(Archie and Jimmy look at each other.) 



102 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Peggy, {mahing a feebler effort) But — but— if 
you'll only listen 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {cutting through her, deliber- 
ately) 'Awf'ly sorry, — 'was a bit stupid of me. 
Mary Howard said so — that is — when she'd read the 
Morniri' Post. 

Archie, {attempting to speak) Yes, but that was 
my 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {ignoring his attempt to explain) 
But she'd ha' thought just the same herself — any- 
body would, {dismissing the subject and nodding 
toivards the basket of floivers) Nice lilies, ain't they ? 
So glad you like them. 

Peggy, {desperately) But — I want to explain 

Mrs. Colquhoun. Don't. The Mornin' Post 
did that. 'Can't be anything else to say, — besides, I 
loathe explanations, mine's bored me horribly, {turn- 
ing to Jimmy) By the way, never congratulated you, 
Jimmy, — 'always forgettin' some thin'. That re- 
minds me, d'you mind touchin' that bell ? 'Must be 
movin', really, {rises). 

(Jimmy crosses and rings bell and crosses back r.) 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {to Lady Crackenthorpe) 
Congratulate you, too, Lady Crackenthorpe. {nodding 
towards Peggy) Charmin' girl. You keej^in' pretty 
fit, Major? 
. Archie, {shortly) Quite, thanks. 

{Enter Lucas ivho holds door open.) 

Mrs. Colquhoun. {drawling lazily as she goes) 



ActIL] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 103 

Don't move anybody, — 'shan't bore you all by shakin' 
hands, — much too hot. {turns at door and nods easily 
to them all). Bring her to see me, before you sail, 
Jimmy. 'Bye, everybody. 

{She sails out tranquilly, leaving them all too paralysed 
to speak, and Lucas follows her out and closes the 
door) 

{They all remain simply speechless for a moment, and 
then the storm bursts, and they all speak in rapid 
succession, in furious tones) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Purring cat ! 

Archie. That woman makes me {cannot find 

words to express himself) She — she {ivith a sudden 

explosion) Damn ! {looks round) Sorry — but it had 
to come out. 

Peggy, {crossing quickly to table r., and seizing the 

basket of floivers) Oh-h-h ! The — the {is about 

to hurl them at door, but Jimmy stops her) 

Jimmy, {stopping Peggy, and taking the basket of 
flowers from her) What's all this about ? What's 
wrong ? 

Peggy. Why, isn't everything wrong ? 

Jimmy, {jubilantly) No ! Everything's right. 
It's simply splendid ! {he puts basket of flowers on 
floor, near back wall) 

{They all turn and stare at him in amazement.) 

Archie. Eh — what ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. What's splendid ? 



104 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act IL 

Jimmy, {picking up " Morning Post " from settee 
R,, and flourishing it) Why, we're safe from her. 
This paragraph has saved us. By Jove, it's unique. 
A compromising situation Hke this, and no one putting 
a wrong construction on it. 

Archie, (whistling) Phew ! By Jove, you're 
right. What price my paragraph now, my dear 
feller ? 

Jimmy, {excitedly) It's the luckiest fluke you've 
ever made. 

Archie, {indignanthj) Fluke ? Dash it all I 
That's a nice way to speak of the inspiration that's, 
saved the show. 

Peggy, {sitting down on chair r. c, and facing' 
'/Archie and Jimmy) I don't know what on earth you 
two are talking about. We can't leave things like 
this. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {up stage c, quietly) No,. 
of course not. 

Peggy, {turning to her) Then what are we tO' 
do? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. There's only one thing 
to be done. You must marry Jimmy, of course, 

Peggy, {startled for a moment, and then impati- 
ently) Oh, that's absurd ! 

Archie, {sitting down on settee, r.) Not a bit. 
Why, dash it all, there couldn't be an easier way out 
of it. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {coming c.) It's the only 
way out of it. {to Peggy) You said you were going 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 105 

to marry him. From the Mornmg Post all the people 
we know think you are married to him. You can see 
what a scandal that Colquhoun woman will stir up 
if you don^t marry him. So — well, — marry him, and 
make an end of it. 

Peggy, {looking at Jimmy, and then facing audi- 
ence — petulantly) But I don't want to. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Why ? {pause) You 
did yesterday, {pause) Have you quarrelled ? 
{pause) What's happened to make you change your 
mind so suddenly ? 

Jimmy, {down extreme r., decidedly) Look here, 
mater, this is our affair, so be good enough to leave 
us to settle it. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {drawing herself up) Oh, 
really. Perhaps you'd prefer us to go ? 

Jimmy. Well, to be quite candid about it, I should. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning, with offended 
dignity) Oh ! — Come, Archie ! 

Archie, {rising and crossing up to writing-table, 
picks up hat and follows Lady Crackenthorpe to 
door) Here, wait a bit, Charlotte, {to Jimmy) 
What the deuce are we to say to people ? 

Jimmy, {looking at Veggy and then speaks.) Come 
back in half an hour and I'll tell you. 

Archie. Oh, well ! {turns at door) Ye know, we 
must pull this thing straight, somehow — for the good 
o' the fam'ly. 
{Exit L., leaving door open. Jimmy crosses and shuts 

it, and stands looking at Peggy from back of settee, l.) 



106 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act IL 

Peggy, {a little out of temper — to Jimmy) I 
wonder you didn't join in the family chorus, and insist 
on me marrying you. 

(Jimmy doesn't speak for a minute. She looks round 
at him.) 

You're very quiet about it all. 

Jimmy, (quietly) What can I say ? I'm in a 
delicate position. I don't want to take advantage 
of the fix you're in, by trying to rush you in marrying 
me, against your will. 

Peggy, {still rather vicious) Oh, I thought per- 
haps you'd changed your mind, and didn't want to. 

Jimmy. Oh, if you take that tone, I will join what 
you call the family chorus. There's a lot to be said 
for it. It seems the logical way out of it. You see, 
it isn't as though you'd any special objection to me, — 
at least, you've never said so. 

Peggy, {turning, softened) You know I haven't. 
Why, you're the only real man friend I've ever made. 

Jimmy, {coming round end of settee to c.) Well 
then, as you don't dislike me 

Peggy, {rising and impulsively) That's just it, 
it might be easier if I did, but I like you too much to 
marry you without liking you more. 

Jimmy, {sits with a sigh on small table l. c, and 
leans over back of chair near it) Oh, " the little more, 
and how much it is." Everything else seems to play 
into our hands. This berth in England, with a jolly 
house, and everything. Then you could have stuck 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 107 

this yarn into a novel, {ivhimsically) People might 
have beheved it — in a book. But if you feel like that 
(sighs) — well, there it is. 

Peggy, {impulsively and gratefully) What a brick 
you are to take it all like this, Jimmy. 

Jimmy. Like what ? 

Peggy. Do you think I can't see ? You take 
that tone to make me feel easy about it. (impul- 
sively) Oh, you do make me feel a beast ! 

Jimmy, (gently) No, no, you can't help it. 

Peggy, (suddenly crossing to him and sitting on 
chair he holds, and looking up at hitn) Jimmy, I'll 
try to help it. I will, really. 

Jimmy, (leaning fonvard eagerly) Peggy 

Archie. (o§) That's all right, I'll just go in. 

(Jimmy and Peggy fall apart as Major Archie hursts 
unceremoniously into the room, excited and very much 
out of breath. Peggy rises and backs to chair R. c.) 

Archie, (coming c, breathlessly) 'Just spotted 
what you two have been quarrellin' about, by Jove ! 
(puffing) 'Saw it all in a flash, (excitedly, to Peggy) 
Jimmy's evidently made a hash of it. (puffing) I'll 
own up. Fm the really guilty chap. 'Fact, — honour 
bright, — the whole thing was my idea. 

Jimmy, (rising, with a puzzled froivn) What on 
earth ? 

Archie, (coaxingly to Peggy) Besides, dash it all, 
you got your revenge, you know. 

Peggy, (puzzled) My revenge ? 



108 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Archie, {cocking his head, Jcnoivingly) Ya-as. 
You made Jimmy fall genuinely in love with you in 
the end, didn't you — ^what ? So, come now, even if 
he ivere only pretending at first 

Jimmy, {coming down on Archie's l., and hissing) 
Stop! 

Peggy, {staring at Argkie and repeating) "Pre- 
tending " ? 

Jimmy, {hissing angrily at Archie) You fool ! 

Archie, {surprised) Eh — what ? 

Peggy, {repeating in a loiv voice) Pretending. 
Only pretending at first, {turning to Jimmy) What 
does he mean ? 

(Jimmy loohs troubled and hesitates.) 

Archie, {startled, staring at her, and then sharply 
to Jimmy) What ? Haven't you told her ? {seeing 
his mistake) Good Lord, I thought it was that you'd 
quarrelled about, {stammers) 'Pon my soul, I did. 
Oh, dash it all. I 

Jimmy, {sharply) You've said enough, {crosses 
up R. behind Archie) 

Peggy, {looking at Jimmy and shrinking back) 
Jimmy, you can't mean — it's true ? 

Jimmy, {coming down r. c.) No. That is — not 
altogether. Look here, let me explain. 

Peggy. That means it is true, {turns away ivith 
an angry exclamation) Oh ! 

Archie, {breaking in) That's just what I was 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 109 

goin' to tell you. It was my idea. I suggested it to 
Charlotte and 

Peggy, [getting more angry every minute) So 
Lady Crackenthorpe was in this, too ? I might have 
guessed that, [turning on Jimmy) And you helped 
them ? [almost crying in her rage) Oh, how could 
you ? How could you ? [crosses up to writing-table 
and standing back to audience.) 

Jimmy, [following her) No, wait, — listen. 

Peggy, [ivheeling round ivith flashing eyes) Why, 
what had I done to you all ? [to Archie) What 
had I done to you? 

Archie, [shamefacedly) Eh ? — oh — er — nothing 
of course. 

Peggy, [indignantly) Then why did you do it ? 
You couldn't invent such a horrid scheme as a 
joke. 

Archie, [ashamed, hastily) No, no, dash it all, 
I — we thought that you — that is, that Anthony — 
well, ye see, it was to prevent 

Peggy. You needn't go on. I see the whole thing 
now. [she turns and sits at writing-table with her back 
to audience) 

(Archie stands twirling his hat, looking rather ashamed.) 

Jimmy, (r., curtly to him) You needn't wait. 

Archie, [looking up and clearing his throat) 
Here, dash it all, my dear feller, you surely don't 
think 



no ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

Jimmy, {cutting him short) I think you'd better 

go- 

Archie. Eh — what ? {indignant and injured) If 
this is all the thanks I get, by Jove, I will go. {crossing 
up to door, and turning disgustedly) And this is all a 
feller gets for doin' things for the good o' the fam'ly. 

{He goes out l. disgustedly, leaving the door open.) 

(Peggy sits ivith her hack to Jimmy, ivho crosses, closes 
door, and stands l. of Peggy.) 

Jimmy. Now we can have this thing out, and I can 
explain. 

Peggy, {ivith her back turned) You can " pre- 
tend " to explain, you mean. 

Jimmy, {leaning over her) No. Look here, you 
don't understand 

Peggy, {suddenly rising and ivheeling round with 
blazing eyes) No, I donH understand. I never shall 
understand how you could have anything to do with 
such a nasty, mean, horrid scheme. 

Jimmy. I tell you I'd never seen you 

Peggy, {furiously) There ! You admit it. You 
agreed to make a fool of a girl you'd never even seen. 

Jimmy. Oh, will you let me ? 

Peggy, {refusing to listen and crossing to fireplace) 
It's no use trying to get out of it, now. 

Jimmy, {coming down to back of settee) I'm not, 
but if you'll only listen a moment. 

Peggy, {unreasonable in her fury, back to fireplace) 
I won't listen. I see now why you didn't join in the 



ActIL] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. HI 

" family chorus." Of course, you wanted to back 
out of it, when it came to the point. 

Jimmy. That's not true, 

Peggy. What is true ? {sits on settee, l.) What 
about you trying over and over again to make me 
believe you wanted to marry me ? 

Jimmy, {over back of settee) I swear to you, that, 
after that first half-hour when we met — I've never said 
a single word to you that I didn't mean. 

Peggy, {ivith a scornful laugh) " After that first 
half-hour." {contemptuously) I wonder you couldn't 
invent something better than that, {rises and crosses 
to R. c.) 

Jimmy. Do you mean to say you don't believe 
me? 

Peggy, {facing him ivith blazing eyes) No ! 
How can you expect me to after a thing like this ? 
{stamping her foot) No, I don't believe you, and now 
that you know what I think of you, I'll go. {crosses 
up to writing-table, picks up hat, and moves towards 
door) 

Jimmy, {standing between her and the door) Stop ! 
Do you think I'm going to let you go like this ? 

Peggy, {on the edge of tears) You can't stop me. 
I'm going. 

{She inakes a movement fonvard, but Jimmy takes her 
hat from her, and throws it doivn on small table l. c.) 

Jimmy, {firmly) Not before you've listened to me. 
I've told you the absolute truth to-day. And you've 



112 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act II. 

got to believe it. [setting his teeth determinedly) 
You shall believe it. 

Peggy, {attempting to pass and pick up her hat) 
Will you let me pass, please ? 

Jimmy, (preventing her from taking it) What are 
you going to do ? 

Peggy. I'm going to tell the truth. 

Jimmy. About last night ? 

Peggy, {defiantly) Yes, 

Jimmy. Then I shanH let you go. 

Peggy, {indignantly) What ? {her breath comes 
in short sobs and she begins to cry) 

Jimmy. I'm not going to let you do a mad thing 
in a fit of temper, that you'd be sorry for, all your life. 

Peggy, {through her tears) That's my business. 

Jimmy, {quietly) No ; you forget, it's my busi- 
ness, since yesterday. You made it so. 

Peggy. That's past and done with. 

Jimmy, No, it's not done with, {firmly) You 
trusted me enough to put yourself in my hands yester- 
day, and until this thing blows over, you've got to 
leave yourself there. 

Peggy, {still giving sJwrt sobs, and iviping her eyes) 
I shall do nothing of the kind. I'm going to mother, 
and people can think what they like about me, — / 
don't care, {picks up hat from table and makes 
another move l.) 

Jimmy, {putting his hand on hers, and stopping her) 
Your mother will care, though. What about her ? 
{pause) 



1 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 113 

(Peggy stofs dead, and then hacks a little, c.) 

{following her) Besides, directly this scandal begins 
about you, — as it will, — it's " good-bye " to her 
chance of ever being Lady Crackenthorpe. You are 
not the only person who's going to suffer by this. 

(Peggy turns her face sharply away, and stands trying 
to control her tears, face to audience.) 

Jimmy. You know what I say is true. I can see 
you do. I tell you, you can't do this thing. 

Peggy, {stands baffled for a moment, and then 
suddenly turning and crossing to table R.) Very well. 
Then there's only one other thing to do, — we must 
leave things as they are, that's all. {flings her hat 
and gloves on to lower end of settee r., and sits defiantly 
cm chair R. c.) 

Jimmy, (c, staring at her) Leave things as they 
are ? 

Peggy. Yes. Let people go on thinking that 
we're married. 

Jimmy, {startled) What ? . . . Oh, impossible ! 
We — we can't. 

Peggy. Yes, we can. / can, and I'm going to do 
it. 

Jimmy. Nonsense ! 

Peggy, {determinedly) Yes, I am, and you are 
going to help me. {rising and crossing to Jimmy and 
looking up at him) You must help me. It's the least 
you can do, after what you have done. You can't 

H 



114 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. 

refuse. You owe it to me. I — I claim it of you. I 
insist, {stamps her foot) 

Jimmy, {frowning a moment, and then shrugging 
his shoulders) Oh, very well then, there's nothing 
more to be said, {turns wp stage to writing-table) 

{The telephone bell rings off b..) 

Jimmy. The telephone. That'll probably be Jack 
Menzies, asking for our decision. Now I can tell him 
that I'm going back to Ceylon, {crosses k. above chair 
at head of table) 

Peggy, {startled, and crossing r. below table to 
settee) Going back to Ceylon ? Why should you ? 

Jimmy, {quietly) Well, we can't very well pre- 
tend we're married, if I stay here, {crosses to door R. 
and opens it) 

Peggy, {kneeling on settee r. and leaning over back) 
But — Jack Menzies' offer ? 

Jimmy. I shall refuse it. 

Peggy, {leaning over and catching hold of his sleeve) 
You'll never throw away such a splendid chance as 
that? 

{TelepJione rings again.) 

Jimmy, {quietly) Of course, {repeating her ivords) 
" It's the least I can do," — remember. " I owe it to 
you," you know. (Peggy ^^ about to speak. Jimmy 
stops her and removes her hand from his arm, and ends 
firmly) No, — I " insist.'''' 

(Jimmy exits r., and closes door behind him.) 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 115 

(Peggy stretches out Tier hands to the closed door, as 
if to call him back, and then slowly turns, and seems 
on the edge of breaking doivn again tvhen the door l. 
opens. Enter Lucas, l.) 

Lucas, {announcing) Mr. Menzies. 

{Enter Jack Menzies.) 

{Exit Lucas.) 

Peggy, {giving a relieved cry and springing up) 
Oh ! I am so glad you've come, {she comes to c. 
and stands close to him, speaking breathlessly) Mr. 
Menzies, Jimmy says he's going back to Ceylon. 

Jack, {incredulously) No ! 

Peggy, {rushing on excitedly) Yes, he's in there 
{pointing to door r.), telephoning to you about it, now. 
It was my fault. I rushed him into it, — but, don't 
let him go. {tearfully and imploringly) Promise me 
you won't let him go. 

Jack, {puzzled) But, look here, Mrs. Keppel, 
I'm a bit fogged 

Peggy, {breaking in hastily) There isn't time 
to explain it all. {looking round apprehensively at 
door r.) Jimmy will be back in a minute. He — 
{she brushes some tears from her eyes) — he's behaved 
abominably, but I can't let him lose this chance, and 
go back to Ceylon on my account, so, promise me that 
you'll stop him. 

Jack, {froivning uncomfortably) How can I ? 
{smoothing his hat awkwardly) Seems to me you're 



116 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act 11. 

the only person who can do that. Surely there must 
be something you can do, to stop him ? 

Peggy, {turns face to audience, thinking for a 
moment, and then her face suddenly lights up and she 
exclaims) Yes — there is, — and I'll do it. {she turns 
hastily to table, snatches up her hat and begins to fix it 
on and pin it hurriedly, as she crosses abruptly toivards 
door L.) 

Jack, {watching her, puzzled) Here, wait a bit, 
Mrs. Keppel, — where are you going ? 

Peggy, {turning) I'm going straight to Hawk- 
hurst. 

Jack, {wonderingly) Hawkhurst ? 

Peggy, {determinedly) Yes, {she crosses hastily 
R. again, and snatches up her gloves from table, and 
then goes up to Jack, and with her eyes filling with tears, 
speaks in a shaky voice) Oh, Mr. Menzies, I've made 
such a horrible muddle of everything, but I'm not 
going to let Jimmy suffer for it, so tell him that he's 
free to take your offer, and stay here, and — {her voice 
trembles, and after a little choke she adds) — and — marry 
anybody he likes. 

Jack, {staggered) And — what ? 

Peggy, {in a low, shaky voice) He never wanted 
to marry me, — he was only — {with another choke) — 
pretending, {she dashes the tears from her eyes and 
pulls herself together) Tell him I'll never forgive him. 
{turning to go L.) Tell him I — I hate him, but — 
{turning back to Jack) — don't let him go. {turning 
L. again, and speaking determinedly through her tears) 



Act II.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 117 

He shan't go. I won't let him go ; so whatever 
happens, and whatever people think of me, I'm 
going to tell the truth, {she crosses hastily to l. as 
curtain falls) 

VERY QUICK CURTAIN. 



END OF SECOND ACT. 



ACT III. 

Scene. — Same as Act I., only settee is now placed 
obliquely with its back against piano, facing down 
towards e. c. 

(Anthony, Mrs. O'Mara and Millicent are dis- 
covered. Anthony is seated at table c, squinting 
down microscope, surrounded by a litter of specimen 
boxes, books, etc. Mrs. O'Mara is sitting opposite 
him, with a big book. Millicent is standing betiveen 
table and door r., hat on, just turning to staircase.) 

Millicent. Still no news of Peggy, I suppose 
Mrs. O'Mara? 

Mrs. O'Mara. Not a worrd, my dear. But 

there, when a gyurl's on her honeymoon {shrugs 

her shoulders good-naturedly) Aw, we'll be hearin' 
from Paris in the morning, I'm thinkin'. 

Anthony, {looking up — impatiently) Yes — yes — 
yes. No doubt, — so, don't let us detain you, Milly. 

Millicent. {surveying them) You don't look as 
though I shall be very much in the way if I stayed. 

Anthony, {oblivious of her meaning — testily) Tut, 
tut, tut ! Can't you see — {waving his hand towards 
Mrs. O'Mara and microscope) — we are — engaged ? 

Millicent. {laughing) " Engaged " — why you 

118 



t 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 119 

look as though you were married, {turns to staircase 
and runs up) 

Anthony, {turns sharply and watches her going 
up) Eh ? M-m ? {looks inquiringly at Mrs, 
O'Mara) 

MiLLiCENT. {leaning over balustrade) You know 
the Hall is never any good for engaged couples, 
Anthony. 

Anthony {turning to Millicent) Why not ? 
Why not ? 

Millicent. Well, with three doors and a stair- 
case, you're bound to find it " jumpy." 

{She laughs and runs off l.) 

Anthony, {turning to Mrs. O'Mara) " Jumpy ? " 
— What does she mean, Kitty ? — M-m ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {looking at him comically) 'Deed, 
an' it's plain ye were never engaged before, Anthony. 

Anthony, {emphatically) No, — never. — Never ! 
You see. — {he hesitates, gives a nervous laugh and then 
uses her name) — er — Kitty, no woman ever under- 
stood me, until I met you. {puts out hand to take 
hers nervously and awkwardly, gives her hand an abrupt 
squeeze and then turns embarrassed to microscope. 
H'm — would you mind reading out the description, 
while I {squints doivn and adjusts sight of micro- 
scope) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {shrugs her shoulders good-humour- 
edly, and reads aloud from book she is holding) " The 
most marked characteristic of the female is an irregu- 



120 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

lar arrangement of bristles, on the anterior pair of 
legs." 

Anthony, {excitedly — gazing down microscope) 
Ah, excellent ! I can see them, {looks wp andheams 
delightedly at Mks. O'Maea) Then it is a female ! 
What a delightful time we're having — eh ? {dives 
his head abruptly dotvn to microscope again, and squints 
down it, exclaiming enthusiastically) It's ideal ! My 
microscope, you helping me, and a well-developed 
spider, — it — it's intoxicating ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. {with a half-comic, half-hopeless 
glance at him, and then speaking pointedly and signifi- 
cantly) Aw, yes — ut's always an intoxicating toime, 
— the courtin'. 

Anthony, {still squinting down the microscope) 
Quite — quite ! {absorbed in the spider) There are 
the bristles — one, two, three 

Mrs. O'Mara. {sticking to it) An' to think av ye 
avoidin' ut so long, now, Anthony. 

Anthony, (looking up) Eh ? Oh, yes, yes. 
{again squinting down) But then you see I never 

dreamt that courtship could be so {he looks up 

abruptly) Well, is all courting like this ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {with a smile — drily) Well, no, 
Anthony, most courtin' is a thrifle different. 

Anthony, {triumphantly) Ah ! I thought as 
much, {meditatively, as he squints doivn microscope) 
Now, I wonder how other engaged couples manage 
to spend their time ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. Well, part of their toime — {rises 



t 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 121 

and goes round behind him, and ivith her hand on his 
shoulder, very gently kisses him on the cheek) — that 
way, Anthony darlin'. 

Anthony. {starting as though he'd been shot) 
Eh ? {very embarrassed) Yes — yes — of course. H'm, — 
why not — why not ? {he turns as though he were 
going to kiss her, laughs nervously, and ends by ducking 
down his head over microscope to hide his confusion, 
and mutters) It is a female, there's no doubt about 
it. 

(Mrs. O'Mara stands for a moment with her hand on 
his shoulder, watching him with an affectionate 
smile, and then pats his shoulder and turns away, and 
as she does so, Peggy is seen peering in through 
window under balcony at the back.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {uttering a little cry of surprise) 
Oh ! {she stifles it immediately as Peggy outside 
motions her to be silent, and beckons to her) 

Anthony, {turning to Mrs. O'Mara) Eh ? Did 
you- 



9 



Mrs. O'Mara. {flurried, with a look towards 
window) No — no — 'twas nothing, I — er — I've just 
remembered something. I — it's in the garden. 

Anthony, {rising) Oh, let me fetch it. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {hastily pushing him back into his 
chair) No, no — I — I'll be back directly. 

Anthony. Oh'well, if you're quite sure {turns 

to his microscope and squints doivn) 



122 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

(Mrs. O'Mara, keeping her eye on him, steals up stage 
and out through door under landing, and joins Peggy 
and disappears with her.) 

{Enter Millicent on landing. She looks over and 
gives a quick glance round.) 

Millicent. {on landing) Are you alone, An- 
thony ? 

Anthony, {turning) Eh ? Yes, yes, — for the 
moment. 

Millicent. {coming down) The carriage has gone 
to fetch mother and Uncle Archie from the station. 
They'll be here directly. 

Anthony. {rising hastily) Good gracious ! 
{stands, looking alarmed) 

Millicent. (r. of c. table) Have you decided 
how to break the news to mother ? 

Anthony. Well, no — not exactly, Millicent, you 
don't think the news of my engagement to Mrs. 
O'Mara will be a very great shock to her, do 
you? 

Millicent. {mischievously) I think an earth- 
quake would be a trifle to it. 

Anthony, {hacking hastily to staircase) Then in 
that case I'm quite sure that it would be only kind to 
mother to postpone the announcement until after 
dinner, {hurries up the staircase) 

Millicent. That means that / shall be left to tell 
her. {follows him upstairs) Stop, Anthony, come 
back. 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 123 

(Anthony disappears through archway, and Millicent 
hurries after him.) 

Mother must be told directly she comes, so 

{She disappears through archway l. after him.) 

(Enter Peggy through door at back under balcony, 
wearing dress she tvore in Act II. She comes in 
cautiously, looks round, and making sure no one is 
there, goes back — re-enter with Mrs. O'Mara, tvho 
holds handkerchief to her eyes. Peggy has her arm 
round her mother'' s shoulders, and leads her tenderly 
forward.) 
Peggy. Come and sit down, mother, (leads her 

to settee l. c.) You don't feel as though you're going 

to faint, do you ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {sittmg down on settee) No, no — 

ut's me heart, — ut's weak anyway. Ut's what ye've 

just told me. {hand to her heart) 

Peggy, {sitting beside her, and taking her hand in 

Jiers) Mother, don't take it like this. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {incredulously) I — I can't believe 

ut yet. To stay in Jimmy's rooms all night. That 

woman to find ye there at one o'clock in the morning. 

An' when you're not even goin' to marry him. Aw, 

how could ye do ut, Peggy ? How could ye ? 

Peggy. But, mother, I haven't done anything 

wrong ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {patting Peggy's hand) I know, 

dearie, I know ; but then I'm yer mother, — an' that's 

why ut hurts, {distractedly) To think of people 



124 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

believin' that me own child was — och ! I can't bear 
the thought av ut. 

Peggy, {rising, and looking at her mother, seri- 
ously, and speaking in a hard, choking voice) Then 
you think that too, mother ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. Think what, Peggy ? 

Peggy, {looking in front of her) That people will 
say that I (breaks off) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {distractedly) Aw, they'll think 
the worst, av course. Small wonder if they do. 
{wailing) What would yer poor father have felt — if 
he'd been here ? 

Peggy, {suddenly covering her face, and gasping out) 
Don't, {in a broken voice) I — I did think you'd 
have stood up for me, mother. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) Peggy ! {holding out 
her arms tenderly) Sure I didn't mean to 

Peggy. Oh, mother ! {turns with a sob and 
buries her face in her mother''s shoulder and cries) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {soothing her) There, there — I 
didn't mean to hurt you, Peggy, darlin'. I only — oh, 
ut's beside meself I am, about it all. {distractedly, 
as she strokes Peggy's hair) What'll we do now ? 
An' me just engaged to Anthony, too ! 

Peggy, {sitting up, remembering) Mother, you 
don't think it will upset all that, do you ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. I'm sure av ut. Think of An- 
thony's pride when the scandal about ye is on every- 
body's tongue. Think how Lady Crackenthorpe 
will speak of us both to him. She'll make out the 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 125 

worst, av course, for her own sake. Ye can see how 
it will end. 

Peggy, {rises, and stands staring in front of her, 
speaking in a hopeless voice) Then I've done it all 
for nothing 

Mrs. O'Mara. (wailing) Oh, Peggy, Peggy, if 
only ye'd fallen in love with Jimmy. 

Peggy, {hesitating, and looking down and then 
bringing it out with a burst) Well then, if you must 
know — I have, {she turns and sits on chair l. of c. table) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {sitting bolt upright and staring at 
Peggy incredulously) What ? Ye have fallen in 
love with him ? {rising, coming doivn l. c.) . . . 
With Jimmy ? 

Peggy. Yes. {with her back turned — irritably) 
Isn't it — disgusting ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {puzzled) Disgustin' ! Aw, what 
is ut ye mean now ? {coming down nearer a little 
to L. of her) Why, if ye're in love with him, every- 
thing'll be all right. 

Peggy, {turning in surprise) How can it be ? 
Good gracious, mother, can't you see what an " im- 
possible " situation it is ? Think of it — to go and 
fall in love with a man who doesn't care a scrap about 
you — a man who's made a fool of you. Oh, it's 
humiliating enough for me to know it, — but if he ever 
found out 

Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) What? D'ye mean 
ye're not goin' to let him know ? 

Peggy, {staring at her mother) Let him know ? 



126 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

{emphatically) Never ! If I have fallen in love, I 
still have some self-respect. 

Mes. O'Mara. {beivildered) But if ye've fallen 

in love with him ? {throwing up her hands) 

Aw, how d'ye explain ut all, Peggy ? 

Peggy, {impatiently) I can^t explain it. It just 
happened, — all of a sudden, — this afternoon, on my 
way here, {with half-comic, half-tearful irritation) 
It — it's simply sickening. What's the use of it, now ? 
Why couldn't it have developed before ? It must 
have been in my system. I must have been walking 
about with it for days, without knowing it. {dis- 
gustedly) And then for it to break out like this — just 
like a rash, — and in the train, too ! I hid behind my 
newspaper, but I'm perfectly certain the people in 
my carriage must have noticed it. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, be sinsible now, Peggy, ye'll 
have to let him know, for when ye're heart's taken 
suddenly with the cramp, like that, there's nothing 
but marriage'll straighten it out again. Ut's the 
only cure. 

Peggy. Oh, then I shall be a permanent invalid, 
that's all. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {getting annoyed, sarcastically) Sure 
an' if ye were goin' to be so obstinate about it, I 
wonder ye didn't stop it in toime. Ye've written 
pages and pages about ut, in yer precious stories, — I 
wonder ye didn't recognize the symptoms. 

Peggy. " Symptoms ? " There aren't any. You 
seem to begin in the middle of it. / did ! 



i 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A SUDDEN PEGGY. 127 

Mrs. O'Mara. Then, sure, doesn't that prove he's 
the right man, anyway ? 

Peggy, {impatientli/) Oh, what is the good of the 
man being the right man, when you know that you 
are the wrong woman ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. But are we sure ye're right about 
bein' " wrong " ? Is ut hkely, now, that any man 
would be so ready to throw up this splendid chance 
here, and go back to everything he hated, just to help 
the crazy scheme of a girl he didn't care for ? 

Peggy. He couldn't help himself. I simply 
rushed him into it. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, an' he'd have rushed himself 
out of ut, if he hadn't cared for ye ? Aw, be sinsible, 
now, Peggy, marry him, ye'll soon find out how right 
ye are about being the wrong woman, then. 

Peggy, {ruefullt/) Yes, I expect I should ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. Ah ! ye know what I mane, now. 

Peggy. Seriously, mother, do you really believe, — 
after all he's done, that he can care for me ? — You 
can't think he really does want to marry me ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. Think ?— I'm sure av ut. 

Peggy, {smiling in spite of herself) Mother ! 
{then slowly facing audience) I — I can't believe it. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {softly) Try him, Peggy darlin', 
give him the chance an' see. 

Peggy, {shaking her head) It's too late. He'll 
never ask me again. 

Mrs, O'Mara. {coaxingly) Aw, sure then, couldn't 
ye just ask him ? 



128 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Peggy, {indignantly) Mother ! 

Mrs, O'Mara. Listen now. All ye've got to say 
to him, is that / wouldn't let ye tell the truth, and 
that rather than let him go back to Ceylon and ruin 
his prospects, ye will marry him, after all. 

Peggy, Oh ! you mean me to consent to it as a 
marriage of convenience ? {smiling roguishly) For 
his convenience — of course ! 

Mrs, O'Mara. {ivith mock seriousness) Aw, yes, 
av course, for his convenience, entoirely. 

Peggy, {with a twinkle in her eye) Then / should 
be making the sacrifice, shouldn't I ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {coughs) H'm ! Well, it would 
look like it, annyway, 

Peggy, {delightedly) And then I needn't " give 
myself away," at all. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Well, ut depends how ye put it. 

Peggy. Oh ! You leave that to me. {she draws 
herself up with assumed dignity) At first I shall be 
frigid, but generous, 

(Mrs, O'Mara laughs.) 

Peggy, {her eyes dancing with excitement) And 
then I needn't let him find out, what I really feel, until 
later ? 

Mrs, O'Mara, No, You can melt gradually, 
Peggy, {nodding) Yes — about an inch a day, — 
like a glacier, {clapping her hands) I'll do it. {then 
suddenly looking almost afraid) Oh ! / wonder how 
he'll take it ? 



1/ 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 129 

Mrs. O'Mara. I don't. I knoiv, to a " T." 
Peggy. Why, do you think he'll {she breaks 

off) 

Mrs. O'Mara. He'll just clutch such a chance, 
with both ar-r-rms, — an' you too. 

Peggy, {impulsivehj seizing her another and hugging 
her) You — you darling ! {kisses her and then starts) 
Oh ! that reminds me ! {thinking a moment, then 
turning abruptly) Do you suppose he'll remember 
that I kissed him, first ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. {starting) What ? . . . Peggy ! 
How could ye bring ye'self to do such a thing ? 

Peggy. There was no " bringing myself " about 
it. It was a kind of — inspiration. I just did it — all 
of a sudden, {an idea striking her) Mother ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, what is ut, now ? 

Peggy. Why, that's when I must have caught 
it! 

Mrs. O'Mara. Caught what ? 

Peggy. " Love ! " Then it is a microbe, after all ! 

(Anthony's voice is heard off, through archway l. 
on landing. Mrs. O'Mara and Peggy turn and 
listen.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {turning to Peggy — flurried) Ut's 
Anthony ! 

Peggy. What shall I say to him, mother, — quick. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Say nothing — say Jimmy's comin' 

on later — say annything, say {she breaks off) 

Hsh — he's here. 

I 



<d 



130 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

{Enter Anthony on landing, followed by Millicent, 
they both look down into hall.) 

Millicent. {ivith a surprised cry) Why, it's 
Peggy ! {crosses landing and runs dounstairs.) 

Anthony, {staring at Peggy) Good gracious ! 

Millicent. {as she runs doivnstairs. to Peggy) 
What on earth are you doing here ? 

Anthony, {following her) Yes — yes — that is pre- 
cisely the question I was about to ask. 

(Mrs. O'Mara sits on chair l. of c. table and Peggy 
remains standing almost in front of table to r. of it.) 

Millicent. {hurrying across to Peggy) Where's 
Jimmy ? 

Peggy, {with a rapid glance over her shoulder at 
Mrs. O'Mara) He — he's coming on later. 

(Anthony joins Millicent and they both stand to 
R. of Peggy.) 

Millicent. But we thought you were on your 
honeymoon — in Paris, or somewhere ? What's hap- 
pened ? 

Anthony. Tut, tut ! {comitig round below Milli- 
cent, 'pushing her aside) The very question I was 
about to put. {importantly adjusting his spectacles) 
Er — as the head of the family I feel it my duty to 
inquire into all this, {judicially) Touching yester- 
day. Er — the point is — {he doesn't hnow ivhat 
he ought to say) — er — at what hour were you married, 
precisely ? 



w 

Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 131 

MiLLiCENT. {impatiently, pushing him back) Oli, 
what on earth does that matter, Anthony ? {to 
Peggy) Why on earth did you and Jimmy keep it 
all so dark ? I suppose I ought to be " piggish " 
about it, but I won't be a bit, if you'll only tell me all 
about it. What did you wear yesterday ? 

Peggy, {hesitating a minute, and then evasively) 
Oh — this, {indicatim) her frock) You see, I — I 
only took what I stood up in. {leans back against 
table) 

MiLLiCENT. {horrified) You don't mean to say 
you were married in that hat and frock ? 

Anthony, {determined to assert himself, impati- 
ently) Tut, tut, — there, that will do, Millicent. It 
can't be of the slightest importance what she was 
married in. The point is — ivhere ? {judicially) Your 
wire said the Mount Street Eegistry Office. Now, 
why the ? 

Millicent. {impatiently, pushing him aside) 
Oh, bother the Registry Office ! What does it matter 
which it was ? {to Peggy) Why ever didn't you 
wait, and be married properly, with bridesmaids and 
a bouquet, and a bishop — and — and all the girls you 
hated there, grinding their teeth ? 

Anthony, {pompously, blinking through his specta- 
cles) Precisely. Why not ? Why not ? I would 
have given you away myself, with pleasure. 

Peggy, {with an odd smile) Oh, I — gave myself 
away, thank you. 

Anthony, {seriously — adjusting his spectacles) 



J 



132 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Really ? Most unusual, surely. I wonder you feel 
properly married, at all. 

Peggy, {amused in spite of herself, and smiling 
again) Well, I'm not sure that I do, if it comes to 
that. 

MiLLiCENT. I know I shouldn't, without so much 
as a handful of rice down my back. 

(Anthony, again assuming the judicial air) 

Er — I really feel as your future step-father 

MiLLiCENT. (pushing him aside) You're only 
her brother-in-law yet, Anthony, so let me have a 
look in. [to Peggy) Really, what made you rush 
it so ? 

Anthony, [glaring at Millicent through his 
spectacles) There ! The identical query I was about 
to put, so — [turyis to Peggy) — the question is, what 
made you — er — why did you — {ends lamely and 
feebly) — er — get married ? 

Peggy, {amused at Anthony, and smiling) Oh, 
you should ask people that question beforehand. 
Heaps of people can't tell you why they got married, 
afterwards. They don't know themselves. 

Millicent. {turning suddenly) Hsh ! I'm al- 
most sure I heard the carriage, {runs up stage c. 
and looks out of window under landing at back) 

Anthony, {looking alarmed, and hurrying after 
her) The carriage ? Is it there ? {looks out of 
window too) 

Peggy, {turning swiftly to Mrs. O'Mara) Mother! 
Supposing Jimmy has come back with Lady Cracken- 



V 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 133 

thorpe and the Major ? {glances quickly at the window 

and then at the door) 

Mrs. O'Mara. I never thought av ut. {rises) 
Peggy {flurried) I — I can't meet him before the 

others, {turns wp toivards staircase) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {crossing r. behind table) No, no, 

of course not. 

{They go to stairs and begin to ascend as Anthony comes 
down to stairs and sees them ascending. Millicent 
comes down c. to table.) 

Anthony, {calling wp — flurried) Don't go, Kitty, 
mother will be here in a moment. 

(Peggy is noiv crossing landing.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {hastily) I — I'll be back directly, 
Anthony. 

{Exit Peggy through archtvay, followed by her mother.) 
(Anthony stands forlorn.) 

Millicent. {laughing) It's no use, Anthony, 
you'll have to break it to mother yourself. 

Anthony, {getting more flurried and dabbing his 
forehead with handkerchief) It seems inevitable. 
{walks wp c. agitatedly and back again to upper end of 
table) It's so difficult to know how to begin. 

Millicent. Oh, get on to the subject of marriage 
somehow, and the moment you see a good opening, 
freeze on to it, and slip it out quickly. 

Anthony, {trying to appear calm) M'm — yes — 




134 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

quite so, quite so. I suppose you couldn't give me a 
hint, when the psychical moment arrives ? . . . M'm ? 

MiLLicENT. (r. of him, lavghing) Oh, very well, 
when I see a good opening, I'll cough and nudge you — 
hke this, {coughs and digs him in L. ribs) 

Anthony, [tvincing, hut very serious) Yes, I 
see, thank you. 

(Parker enters l., crosses the stage to open folding 
doors R., and goes out.) 

Anthony, {in awed tones) Millicent, they're 
here, {gives a ivild glance round, and makes a bolt 
across l.) 

Millicent. Anthony, where are you going ? 

Anthony, {guiltily) Eh ? I — I'm just going to 
the library — to — to write a letter. 

Millicent. {following him) Nonsense, come back. 

Anthony. No, really, I must 

{Bolts through door L., and Millicent runs after him 
calling, " Anthony — Anthony.'''') 

{Exit Millicent and Anthony, l.) 

{Enter Lady Crackenthorpe and Major Phipps, 
both looking bored and weary, folloived by Parker. 
Archie gives his hat to Parker.) 

{Exit Parker, l.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {wearily) Thank good- 
ness we're home at last, {crosses and dropping into 
chair near fireplace, L.) 

Archie, (c, pulling off his gloves) Ya-as, by 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 135 

Jove ! What a day we've had. An' not to know 
where we are, at the finish. 

Lady Ckackenthoepe. {throwing off her lace scarf 
and taking off her gloves) I can't understand it. 
Archie, are you sure you went back to Jimmy's flat 
a second time ? 

Archie, {crossing l.) Eh — -what ? Dash it all, 
Charlotte, what on earth are you driving at ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, I thought you might 
have forgotten, and gone to — {meaningly) — ^your 
" dentist's," instead. 

Archie. Well, I did look in, but she — {hastily 
correcting himself) — I mean he — my dentist, y'know 
— was out, so I went on to Jimmy's. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {crossing to fire and 
warming her hands) Then I think it's scandalous of 
Jimmy and that girl, to disappear without leaving us 
a message, or anything to say what they were going 
to do. 

Archie, {sitting on settee, l.) I'm devilish sore 
about the whole thing, considerin' I did it all for the 
good of the family. By the way, Charlotte, what are 
we to say to 'em here, about this business ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Oh, say nothing at pre- 
sent. Jimmy and that girl may have got married to- 
day, for all we know. Don't let's make fools of 
ourselves. 

{Enter Antkony at back, l., followed 6?/ Millicent ; 
they begin to cross to c.) 



136 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Archie, {not seeing them) I see. And as soon 
as you do know, you'll fire this O'Mara woman out, I 
suppose ? 

(Anthony stofs dead and listens unobserved.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {replying to Archie, un- 
conscious of Anthony's presence) Oh, you leave her 
to me. What a relief it is to feel Anthony is out of 
danger, anyhow. If he had entangled himself with 
these O'Maras, I — well, I couldn't — I wouldn't have 
suffered it. 

(Anthony, looking very alarmed, motions Millicent 
to go bach, and tiftoes across to staircase, with his eyes 
-fixed apprehensively on the backs of his mother and 
Archie.) 

Archie. Oh, that's all right. Anthony's safe 
enough. 

(Anthony has now reached the stairs, Millicent 
silently following him. He gets up three steps, tvhen 
Millicent runs forward on her toes and catches him 
by the coat-tails, he tries to free himself, loses his 
balance and slips downstairs with a crash. Lady 
Crackenthorpe and Archie turn and see him and 
Millicent.) 

Archie. Hallo, by Jove, it's Anthony, {rises and 
crosses to c. table) You come in deucedly quietly. 

Anthony, {sitting on bottom step, rubbing himself 
and smiling rather foolishly) Yes, yes. 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 137 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising and advancing l. c.) 
You seemed amused about something, Anthony ? 

Anthony, {gettiiig wp, blinking through his specta- 
cles, very seriously) Amused ? Not in the least, 
mother — quite the contrary, I assure you. {crosses to 
R. c.) 

Archie, (l. c, puzzled, hut assuming a matter-of- 
fact tone) Well, Milly, any news since we left ? 

MiLLiCENT. {down R. c.) Oh yes, a telegram came 
for you. Uncle Archie ; I opened it. It was an appoint- 
ment for yesterday. 

Archie. Eh ? (hastily) Ya-as, ya-as. It was 
from my dentist. 

MiLLiCENT. {looking at him quizzically, her head 
on one side) Doesn't it strike you as rather a frivolous 
name for a dentist — " Topsey " ? 

Archie. Eh — what ? {he coughs and looks con- 
fused) H'm — er — h'm. {moves up to piano) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {turning to Anthony) 
Oh, the Buncombes were sorry you hadn't gone with 
us to the wedding, Anthony. 

(MiLLiCENT coughs and nudges Anthony, tvho, after a 
glance at her, advances to c.) 

Anthony, (nervously) Oh — er — by the way, 
mother, speaking of weddings — I — I — {he funks it) 
— er — the housekeeper tells me we want a new boiler 
in the kitchen. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie stare at him.) 



J 



J 



138 ALL- OF- A- SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. What on earth's that got 
to do with weddings ? 

Anthony. Eh ? Oh — er — [with a nervous laugh) 
— n-nothing, of course, only I — I just thought of it. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {pointing to microsco'pe) 
What's all this litter doing down here ? Why have 
you brought them out of the study ? 

Anthony. Oh, my study is being turned out, — 
in fact, it's being cleaned. 

(Millicent foUoivs Anthony and stands close to R. of 
him) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {incredulously) What ? 
Your study turned out ? Cleaned ? 

Archie, {laughing) Nonsense, my dear fellow, 
you're joking. 

Anthony. On the contrary, I'm quite unusually 
serious. 

(Millicent coughs loudly and nudges him, and he takes 
a long breath.) 

Anthony. Mrs. O'Mara suggested it. The fact 
is — I — she — I — {funking again) — well, it was most 
necessary. 

{Enter Parker, l., with evening papers, ivhich he places 
on R. side of table. Anthony sneaks round to him 
and whispers excitedly in dumb shoiv, and points up- 
stairs. Parker nods and goes solemnly up the 
staircase. While this is goiyig on, Lady Cracken- 
thorpe speaks to Millicent.) 



Act HI] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 139- 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {advancing to c, sus- 
picioushj) Millicent, what has been happening in my 
absence ? 

Archie, {coming down to r. of table c.) Yes, 
something's up. Out with it, Milly. 

Millicent. J^shrugging her shoulders and laughing) 
Oh, you'd better ask Anthony. 
{At this moment Anthony rejoins them R. c, near 
Millicent.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Anthony, I'm perfectly 
certain, from your manner, that you've something 
to tell me. 

(Millicent ?iudges Anthony and coughs.) 

Anthony, {making another effort) Quite so — 
quite so, — I — I have, mother ; the fact is I — I — 
{funking again) — er — Saunders has given notice. 
{looks round at stairs, anxiously) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {sharply) That's not 
what you were going to say, Anthony. 

Anthony. Er — well, no — not exactly, {laughs 
abruptly and nervously) 

(Millicent nudges him violently, and he takes another 

long breath.) 
No, the fact is — what I really was going to say, was 
that I — I — I must go and dress for dinner, {turns 
hastily to stairs) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {moves to below c. of c. 
table) Stop ! Anthony, I insist on knowing what is 
going on. 



A 



140 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

(Enter suddenly Mrs. O'Mara on landing.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {calling down) Aw, could ye wait 
just a few moments, Anthony darlin' ? 

(Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie looJc up at her, 
astounded.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a gasp) What? . . . 
Archie ! What did she say ? 

Anthony, {stumbling up stage and motioning 
frantically to Mrs. O'Mara) Come down, Kitty, 
come down. 

(Mrs. O'Mara comes down.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {with a cry) Ai'chie ! 
Did you hear ? He called her " Kitty." What does 
it Oh-h-h ! Am I going mad ? {crossing dis- 
tractedly L., folloived by Archie) 

Archie, {in an undertone) Keep hold of your- 
self, Charlotte. Dash it all, keep yer head. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. (turning) How can I ? 
(coming back to chair l. c, and speaking angrily to 
Mrs. O'Mara, who joins the group) May I ask what 
you mean by addressing Lord Crackenthorpe in such 
a manner ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. (c, turning to Anthony) Why, 
sure, haven't ye told them, Anthony darlin' ? 

Anthony, (giving his abrupt laugh) Er — no. I 
thought perhaps you might prefer to — to (back- 
ing to stairs) If you'll excuse me, I really must go 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 141 

and dress for dinner, {turns and shuffles hastily up 
the staircase) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {turning and calling after him) 
Anthony ! 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {ivith almost a scream) 
Stop ! Anthony, you can't mean {she chokes) 

Anthony, {standing and looking down from land- 
ing) Yes, I do, — really, er — Kitty, and I are — 
{gives abrupt laugh) — engaged I 

{Exits hastily through door l.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {furious) What ? Oh ! 
{turtis L. and drops on settee) I — I'll not allow it. 

(MiLLiCENT crosses and stayids above her, and Archie 
beloic her ; they try to pacify her, as she chokingly 
gasps out) 

It's preposterous. I'll not suffer it. Go and fetch 
Anthony down, Archie. I'll never give my consent, 
I'll Oh, such barefaced, underhand 

Millicent. {trying to pacify her) Mother, — 
please. 

Archie. Yes, dash it all, Charlotte, do keep hold 
of yourself. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {good-naturedly) Aw, don't mind 
me now. Major. Ut'll be a bit of a surprise, ut was 
to me, meself, indeed. I know just how she'll be 
feeHn'. {to Lady Crackenthorpe) Ye'd best do 
as I did yesterday. Lady Crackenthorpe, just go up- 
stairs, an' take off yer corsets, an' have a good cry. 



142 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act J II. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {indignantly) Oh-h-h ! 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, ye'd better now. Ut's no 
use bottlin' it up, — a tear now an' then, never does 
annybody anny good. Just settle down to ut, and 
cry ut out av yer system, and ye'll find ye'll laugh, at 
ut all, in the mornin'. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {furiously) Laugh at it? 
{starting up) Archie, I — I won't suffer this — this 
impertinence. 

Archie, {protesting) Here, that'll do, Char- 
lotte 

Mrs. O'Mara. {easily) Aw, don't worry. Major, 
av course she'll be after callin' it " imjjertinence." 
Ut's what people always call good advice, when they 
know ut's true, and won't admit it. 

{The dressing-gong is heard.) 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {rising) Oh-h-h ! {she 
crosses r. to staircase, haughtily) I'm going, Millicent 
{walks up staircase stiffly) 

(Millicent lingers and looks doubtfully from her 
mother to Mrs. O'Mara.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, go with yer mother, now. Miss 
MilUcent. {without looking at Lady Crackenthorpe, 
but loud enough for her to hear) I've been in the wrong 
meself, an' I know just how she'll be feelin'. 

(Lady Crackenthorpe siveeps through archway on 
landing, R., with her head in the air, and Millicent 
runs up staircase and exits after her.) 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 143 

Aechie. {feeling awkward, looking at his ivatcli) 
Hullo, by Jove, time I was changin' too, so, if you'll 

excuse me {turns and mounts the stairs, after 

Millicent) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {Watching them all depart one aftet 
the other, as Archie disappears through archivay, r.) 
Sure, an' I think I'll be joining the procession, too. 

{She picks up her skirts and is about to mount the stairs,, 
ivhen Peggy enters through archway on landing l. 
She has changed into a pretty evening goivn. Peggy 
runs across landing, runs down to her mother.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. I was just coming back, Peggy dar- 
lin' (looking at her) Why, ye've changed already ! 

Peggy. Well, so would you, if you'd never had 
your frock off for forty-eight hours. I got to hate 
the very sight of it. I felt as though I'd been born in 
it. Hsh ! 

{A inotor horn is heard tooting off in the distance and 
Peggy turns to her mother, excitedly.) 

Mother ! That's Jack Menzies's motor, I'm sure it 
is. (Peggy runs to windoiv, looks out, and turns) 
Mother ! — He's brought Jimmy. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Thank goodness ! Now ye can get 
it over, before he sees anybody. 

Peggy, {startled) Get it over ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. Yes, put it to him and settle it, 
while they're all dressin' for dinner, an' then we'll 
know where we are. 



144 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Peggy, {getting flurried) Good gracious ! But 
I didn't expect to have to do it as soon as this. I 
begin to feel horribly nervous. I'd no idea proposing 
was such " jumpy " work. I don't wonder men 
" shy " at it. Oh ! he's here ! 

{She sits down hastily, and ducks her head over micro- 
scope, and Mrs. O'Mara hurries up the staircase. 

{The folding doors are flung open, and Jimmy enters 
hurriedly, tvearing overcoat and cap.) 

Jimmy, {looking round and seeing Peggy) Ah ! 
You are here ! That's all right, {he turns and runs 
out through folding doors again, and his voice is heard 
off) It's all right, Jack, she's here, all safe. Good- 
night. 

{There is a tooting of a motor heard off.) 

Peggy, {looking at herself, and patting and straight- 
ening herself and her frock, feverishly) Wait a bit, 
mother. I know I shall make an awful muddle of it. 
Does my hair look all right ? {touching it hurriedly) 
Oh, I'm perfectly certain I look horrid. 

Mrs. O'Mara. {speaking down from balcony) 
Then go on lookin' horrid. It suits ye. (Peggy 
smiles) Only smile at him like that, an' 

Peggy, {starting) Oh I I was forgetting. I 
mustn't smile at all. I must look frigid. Hsh, he's 
coming back. 

{She ducks her head doivn over microscope, hastily, and 
Mrs. O'Mara exits from balcony entrance, l.) 



p 



Act IIT.l ALL OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 145 

{Re-enter Jimmy.) 

Jimmy, {glancing round) Oh, you're alone ? 
That's all right. Why did you rush off from my rooms 
like that ? I hope to goodness you haven't told them, 
here ? 

Peggy, {looking down microscope, without looking 
at him) I've told — mother. 

Jimmy, {leaning over her table, anxiously) Yes, 
yes — of course, but the others ? 

Peggy, {ivithout looking up) No one else knows — 
yet. 

Jimmy, {relieved) That's all right, {taking off 
overcoat and going up ivith it to table at back) But 
your mother knows as much as I do, — eh ? 

Peggy, {demurely) Oh yes, — {with a sudden 
wicked smile) — more ! 

Jimmy, {coming down, a little behind, and to l. of 
her) Well, did she think you ought to own up, and 
give yourself away ? 

Peggy, {concealing her amusement) Well no, that 
is — not just at present. 

Jimmy. I knew she wouldn't. In fact, she 
wouldn't let you tell the truth. 

Peggy, {demurely) Well, that was what she 
said, certainly, {she takes another mischievous peep 
at him as he turns aivay) 

Jimmy, {crossing l. to fireplace, and looking into it, 
with his back to her) Then, I suppose there's nothing 
for it but — silence, and Ceylon. 



146 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Peggy, {chuckling silently behind him and then 
assuming her haughtiest tone) I don't understand you. 
I thought I'd made it quite clear by my message 
through Mr. Menzies, that I'd given up that idea. I 
couldn't dream of allowing you to throw up this offer 
of his on my account. 

Jimmy, {still looking into fire, with his back to her) 
Oh, you mustn't consider me, you must think of your- 
self. 

Peggy, {smiling behind him) Oh, I am doing. 

Jimmy, {turning sharply) Eh — how ? (Peggy 
" ducks " quickly over microscope) 

Jimmy, {crossing quickly and impatiently push- 
ing microscope aside — irritably) Oh, do let that 
wretched thing alone, and listen to me. (leaning 
across table) Hoiv ? — What do you mean ? 

Peggy, {finding he is getting aivkwardly near, 
brushes past him, and coming down below chair, and 
standing in front of table, tvith her back to him again) 
I mean, I couldn't dream of accepting such a sacrifice 
from any man, — not even from my greatest enemy. 

Jimmy, {wincing a little, and standing ivhere she 
left him, behind her) I'm surprised you don't think 
it right that your " greatest enemy " should suffer. 

Peggy, {smiling wickedly — face to audience) Oh, 
I hope I'm not quite devoid of fairness and generosity. 

Jimmy, {shrugging his shoulders, and crossing be- 
hind table towards r.) Well, then, seeing you've gone 
back on that scheme, too, what are you going to do ? 
Peggy, {beginning to get nervous) Well, as it's 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 147 

all my fault, I suppose I must suffer for it, so, whether 
I like it or not, it seems I must fall back on — on— 
{sticks mid hesitates) — on — the other alternative. 

Jimmy, {stopping dead, r. c, and looking down at 
her) What— the truth ? 

Peggy. No, no, I mean — {gets very confused 
and sitting by table) — the — the other alternative. 

Jimmy, {starting violently and coming rapidly down 
R., on a line with Peggy) What ? . . . Peggy ! ! 
You can't mean you'll agree to marry me ? 

Peggy, {stiffly) It seems inevitable. 

Jimmy, {his face lighting up) Then you have 
found out your mistake ? You do believe me ? 
You own that you've been awfully rough on me ? 
{triumphantly) I knew you'd see that you were 
wrong. 

Peggy, {instantly firing up at this, starting up and 
facing him) I see nothing of the kind. I haven't 
changed my opinion with regard to you — {hastily 
correcting herself) — er — with regard to your horrid 
conduct, in the very least. 

Jimmy. And yet you're willing to marry me ? 

Peggy, {stiffly) It seems the only way of pre- 
venting other people from suffering for my stupid 
blunder. I must be the one to suffer, it's not a matter 
of choice, {loftily) I— I feel it is my duty to do this, — 
whatever it may cost me. 

(Jimmy looks at her for a moment in dead silence 
without moving, and Peggy stares in front of her 
with assumed coldness.) 



148 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act ITI. 

Jimmy, {quietly) I hope you won't think me un- 
gracious, but I'm afraid I can't agree to such a thing. 
(he turns r., and goes up stage) 

Peggy, {tvheeling round) What ? {stares at him 
incredulously) You can't agree to it ? 

Jimmy. No. After what you've said I should be 
a cad if I took advantage of such an offer. You 
can't realize what it means. 

Peggy, {choking with indignation) You — actually 
— refuse ? 

Jimmy. I feel bound to. 

Peggy, {ivith an angry cry) Oh-h-h ! {she sits, — 
with her back to him) 

Jimmy. I feel it's only fair to you. 

Peggy, {ivith a savage laugh) " To me ! " Ha, 
ha ! Oh, you might as well be honest about it. 

Jimmy, {coming doivn l.) I don't understand 
you. All I mean is, that my losing a good billet, and 
having to go back to Ceylon, is child's play to deliber- 
ately tying oneself up for life to the wrong person. 

Peggy, {furiously) Oh, so that's how you regard 
it? 

Jimmy. Of course, and it's how you would regard 
it, afterwards, from what you say. {he crosses to 
extreme R.) 

(Enter r., through archway at head of staircase, Lady 
Crackenthorpe in a handsome evening gotvn, 
followed almost immediately by Major Archie 
Phipps, also in evening dress.) 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 14» 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {as she comes doivnstairs) 
Oh, so you've come, Jimmy ? I must say I think 

you might have {seeing Peggy) Oh, you're 

here, too ; Milhcent told me you'd come, [to Jimmy) 
Well, what have you done since we saw you ? 
{Coming down R. c, above table.) 

Jimmy. Nothing. 

Archie, {down r.) Eh — what ? D'ye mean, 
things are just where they were ? 

Jimmy, {shortly) At present. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. But we must know what 
to say to people. This affair must be settled one way 
or the other. 

Peggy, {decidedly) It is settled, {she turns and 
walks betiveen Lady Crackenthorpe and Archie to 
stairs and begins to ascend ; they all turn and ivatcJi her) 

Archie, {calling after her) Eh — what ? You 
don't mean you've agreed to marry Jimmy, after all ? 

Peggy, {pausing on landing, and looking over 
banisters, and speaking with biting sarcasm) Oh yes, 
Fve agreed, but — Jimmy prefers to go back to Ceylon. 

{She turns and walks through archway l., with her head 
in the air, angrily.) 

Jimmy, {standing thunderstruck for a minute and 
then springing toivards stairs) What ? . . . Stop ! 
• • ■ Peggy! 
{A door bangs sharply beyond archivay on landing off, 

and Jimmy turns back from stairs, looking annoyed 

and baffled.) 



150 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act UT. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. [to Jimmy) What does 
she mean ? Of course you're not going back to 
Ceylon, noiv. 

Archie. No, dash it all, you'll never be fool 
enough after waitin' so long for this berth, to chuck 
it up, now you've got it. 

Jimmy. I shall do as I please, it's no affair of yours. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. But it is of mme. What's 
to become of me ? 

Archie. Yes, dash it all, my dear feller, you 
mustn't forget us, — {hastily correcting himself) — I 
mean, — your mother. 

Jimmy, {looking at them in surprise) Why, how 
on earth can it affect either of you ? 

Lady Crackenthorpe. Well, you must see I 
can't live here, when once that woman is Anthony's 
wife. 

Archie, {agitatedly) Of course not, so where the 
dooce are we to — I mean, where is she to go ? You see, 
we — I mean your mother — has been lookin' to you as 
— well — as 

Jimmy. A haven of refuge, what ? {grimly) 
H'm, the family red herring is getting on. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. This is no laughing 
matter, Jimmy. You simply cannot go back to 
Ceylon, and desert me, just to stop people's tongues. 
If you won't marry this girl, the whole story must be 
contradicted at once. I, myself, will write to the 
Morning Post, and 

Jimmy, {sharply) You'll do nothing of the kind. 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 151 

If you move one step in this affair, you needn't look 
to me for a " haven of refuge." 

Lady Crackenthorpe. But if you go back to 
Ceylon 

Jimmy, {significantly) I haven't gone yet. 

(Mrs. O'Mara's voice is heard off from landing.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, let's give the spiders a holiday 
till to-morrow, Anthony darlin' ; ut's quite hungry I 
am, with excitement. 

Jimmy, {quietly to Lady Crackenthorpe) Here 
comes your daughter-in-law, mater, and please be 
good enough to treat her as one. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. I shall treat her as I 
choose. 

Jimmy, {quietly) Don't forget the " haven of 
refuge," mater. You've had your innings, and now 
I'm going to see that the other side gets fair play. 

(Mrs. O'Mara and Anthony appear on landing, both 
in evening dress.) 

Anthony, {as he comes doivn) Oh, is that 
Jimmy ? 

Jimmy, {going to meet him) Yes, I congratulate 
you, old chap. We all do, Mrs. O'Mara, and I'm going 

to take the privilege of a future brother-in-law 

{approaches to kiss her), 

Mrs. O'Mara. Brother-in-law, is ut ye call yer- 
self, after runnin' away with me only child ? Sure, 
I wonder ye like to look me in the face. 



152 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Jimmy. I like it so much, that I feel I must 

{kisses her) 

Mes. O'Mara. {with a flaijful push) Aw, get 
along wid ye, and save those for Peggy. 

Anthony, {frowning at Jimmy) Exactly. That 
is precisely what I was about to suggest. 

{The dinner gong sounds off n., and Parker enters 
and opens door wp n.) 

Anthony. Ah, dinner ! {offers his arm to Mrs. 
O'Mara) Shall we ? 

Mrs. O'Mara. No, Anthony, I want ye to give yer 
arm to — mother ! 

(Lady Crackenthorpe turtis with an angry expression 
and is about to speak, ivhen Jimmy coughs ivammgly, 
whereupon she remains silent ; Anthony approaches 
her and sheepishly offers his arm.) 

Jimmy, {quietly) You'd better lead off with 
Anthony, mater. It'll save trouble, now. 

Lady Crackenthorpe. {glancing at Jimmy and 
changing her expression and saying quite meekly) Oh, 
very well, Anthony. 

Anthony, {as he leads Lady Crackenthorpe up 
stage) We're quite a family party to-night, mother, 
eh ? When you think that I'm Jimmy's future father- 
in-law, and Kitty, sister-in-law to her own daughter, 
well — {laughs) — we certainly are quite a family party. 

{They go up stage andyff through door r.) 

Mrs. O'Mara. {to Jimmy) Where's Peggy ? 



ActITL] ALL-OF- a- sudden PEGGY. 153 

Jimmy. Fll wait for her. Uncle Archie will take 
you in. 

Archie. Eh — what ? [catches Jimmy's eye fixed 
on him, and says hastily) Oh, by Jove ! Ya-as, 
delighted. May I, Mrs. O'Mara ? {offering his arm) 

Mrs. O'Mara. (smiling at him as she takes his 
arm) Sure, me name's just Kitty to me relations. 

Archie, {pulling his moustache, fixing eyeglass and 
forcing a laugh) Haw, haw ! Ya-as, by Jove ! I 
keep forgettin' we're goin' to be — relations. 

Mrs. O'Mara. Aw, but ye must remember that, 
an' we'll forget everything else just — {she smiles at 
him) — " for the good o' the fam'ly." 

Archie, {forcing another laugh) Haw, haw ! 

{They go wp and off through door r.) 

Jimmy, {to Millicent) Don't you wait for me, 
Milly. I mayn't come in at all. I'm off to town by 
the nine train, and I must see Peggy first. 

Millicent. Oh, all right, {turns to go, and then 
turns back impulsively and kisses Jimmy) Good luck, 
Jimmy. 

Jimmy. Thanks, old girl. Cut in. 

(Millicent follows the others through door r., ivhich she 
closes after her.) 

(Jimmy left alone, looks up staircase, listens, looks 
at watch and then ivalks c. He stands thinking, then 
lights a cigarette and ivalks up stage still thinking, and 
pushes open windoiv under landing, and leans out 



154 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

smoking. Re-enter Peggy, on landing, in hat and 
long coat, carrying letter in her hand. She peeps over 
banister, but canH see Jimmy, ivho is exactly beneath 
her, under the landing. She then runs lightly down 
the stairs, and at door stoops to gather up her train, 
and in doing so she drops her letter) 

Peggy, {to herself as she drops letter) Oh, bother ! 

(Jimmy turns and sees her, and comes forward.) 

Jimmy, {looking at her hat and coat) Peggy ! 

Peggy, {startled and confused) I — I thought you 
were in at dinner. I sent the maid to tell you all not 
to wait. 

Jimmy. Oh well, she didn't tell us, and I did wait, 
you see, and so I'm just in time to stop you, 

Peggy. Stop me ? 

Jimmy, {impatiently) Oh, it's plain enough what 
you were going to do. This is sheer folly, Peggy. To 
laolt in the daytime was mad enough, but to 

Peggy, {ivith a mocking laugh) Ha, ha ! Did 
you actually flatter yourself that I was running away ? 
Ha, ha, ha ! Oh no ! I've had quite enough running 
away, thank you. 

Jimmy, {pointing) Then why the hat and coat ? 

Peggy. I was going to post a letter, that's all. 
[stoops to pick up letter) 

Jimmy. Let me. {stoops quickly and picks up 
letter for her, and as he holds it out his eyes catch the 
address. He draws it back and looks at it and reads) 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 155 

"The Morning Post!'''' (looking up at her) Why 
are you writing to the Morning Post ? 

Peggy, {looking at him straight in the eyes) I'm 
writing to contradict the absurd report that I'm 
married to you. {holding out her hand) Give it me, 
please. 

Jimmy, {quietly) Just a moment. Why are you 
doing this ? 

Peggy. That's my business. 

Jimmy. Not if I am the cause of it. You never 
thought of writing this half an hour ago, or you 
wouldn't have offered to marry me, so I must be the 
cause of it, and I won't let you do it. {holding up 
letter) What earthly good can this do to anybody ? 

Peggy. I'm determined to tell the truth, and 
wash my hands of the whole affair, and then {hitingly) 
it won't be necessary for you to go back to Ceylon, 
to avoid marrying me. 

Jimmy. You know that was not my reason for 
going back. 

Peggy. I don't know anything of the kind. I 
only know that you've behaved abominably, and 
I'll never — never forgive you ; but I'm not going to 
have it on my conscience that I was the means of 
driving you back there. So — so, give me my letter^ 
please. 

Jimmy. Wait a bit. 

Peggy, {holding out her hand) I can't wait. It 
must go to-night. 

Jimmy, {quietly) I think not. 



156 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act IIT. 

Peggy, [beginning to lose her temper) It's not 
the least use talking,— I'm determined. 

Jimmy. So am I. (he tears the letter in tivo) 

Peggy, [with an angry gasp, backing a little l.) 
Oh ! How dare you treat my letter like that ? 

Jimmy. I'm not likely to stick at trifles, when it's 
got to this, {he tears it again) 

Peggy. Oh, very well. I shall only write another 
letter, that's all. 

{She turns to cross up to writing-table, but Jimmy stops 
her near head of settee.) 

Jimmy. Stop ! (Peggy stops and looks at him) 
Suppose I were to tell you, that, when I came here 
to-night, I never intended to go back to Ceylon. 

Peggy, {staring at him, with startled eyes) You 
never intended to {turning from him l., incredu- 
lously) Oh, I'll not believe such a thing. 

Jimmy, {quietly) It's a fact. Look here, {takes 
a paper from his breast pocket and holds it out to her) 
No, take it — look at it. 

Peggy, {slowly takes paper, opens it, glances 
at it, and looks puzzled) A special licence ! My 
name ? {she looks up astonished) 

Jimmy. Yes. That was what I intended to do, 
when I came here • to-night. (Peggy stares at him 
bewildered) But when you offered to marry me, you 
showed so plainly how you hated the idea of such a 
thing, that I saw I'd been mistaken, and so I left 
that licence where it was. {tapping his pocket) 



Act III.] ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 157 

Peggy, (her temper rising, holding out the licence) 
But — but how dare you go and get this, and have my 
name put on, when I'd already refused you ? 

Jimmy, {interrupting) It was after Jack Menzies 
gave me your message. I thought if you were willing 
to run your head into such a hornet's nest for my 
sake, that you must care for me. So I went out and 
got that licence. 

Peggy, {getting more angry every minute) Then 
you've simply been making a fool of me again ? 

Jimmy, {surprised) No ! 

Peggy, {furiously) Yes, you have. You stood 
there, and let me offer to marry you, and actually 
humiliated me by daring to refuse me, and you had 
this {holding out licence) in your pocket all the time. 
{choking ivith anger) Oh-h-h ! {she viciously tears 
the licence in pieces and throws them on floor in front 
of her, then faces him) There ! 

Jimmy {quietly, speaking ivith an effort) Then 
that settles it. Ido go back to Ceylon, — to-morrow. 
{goes up to ivriting-tahle and picks up hat and coat) 

Peggy, {down l., face to audience, her voice trem- 
bling a little) You — you'll please to understand that 
I'm going to write that letter to the Morning Post. 

Jimmy, {standing c, behind her, his coat on his arm) 
Oh no, you're not. You won't kick a man when he's 
down. I've been a fool. I've made a hash of things. 
You say I've behaved badly to you, well, if I have, 
you can't refuse — in common fairness — to let me try 
to wipe it out. 



158 ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. [Act III. 

Peggy, {still facing audience) I won't let you 
lose 

Jimmy, [ivearily) Oh, what does it matter what 
I lose, and where I have to go, so long as I have to 
lose you ? [comes down and stands just behind her 
right shoulder, speaks gently from there) Peggy, I 
know that it doesn't matter to you, but I never did 
lie to you. I loved you as much on that first day we 
met, as I love you this minute. 

Peggy, [turning swiftly and looking at him, with a 
startled cry of amazement) What ? 

Jimmy, [shrugging his shoulders, wearily) Oh, I 
know you don't believe me, but it's true ; — so let me 
feel I've done something for you. — Don't write that 
letter. Promise me. 

Peggy, [looking away from him again, her voice 
shaking) You — you're quite sure you're not — pre- 
tending ? 

Jimmy. No, I'm going, — now. [turns up stage 
towards door at back, when she speaks) 

Peggy, [her face suddenly breaking into a smile 
as she brushes some tears from her eyes, and gasps, with 
a choke) Wait, don't be — so sudden. 

(Jimmy turns and looks back at her.) 

You're quite sure you're not — pretending ? 

Jimmy. Can't you believe me yet ? 

Peggy, [in a loiv voice) I — I want to, so — [tvith a 
sudden smile and a little choke in her voice) — if you're 
ab-so-lutely sure you're not pretending, let's pretend 



ActTTI.J ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN PEGGY. 



159 



that we've both been pretending all the time, and — 
and 

Jimmy, {throiving coat and cap on nearest chair and 
coming doivn to her, breathlessly) What — what ? 

Peggy, {suddenly dropj)ing on to her knees by the 
pieces of the torn licence, and looking up at him 
sideivays) Try to stick this licence together again. 
We — we may want it. 

Jimmy, {springing forward and dropping on his 
knees beside her) Peggy ! You can't mean you've 
changed ? 

Peggy, {nodding) Yes, it began this afternoon. 
{picking up pieces of licence.) 

Jimmy. You really began to — to care for me ? 

Peggy, {softly) Yes. 

Jimmy. When ? 

Peggy, {half smiling, half crying) All of a 
sudden. 

He kisses her — both of them still on their knees.) 

CURTAIN. 



D • • o Tahneh 




VorU-FROME 



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A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS. 
The following One-Act Plays at 6d. each. 

CARROTS. 

THE CORRECT THING. 

ELLAS APOLOGY. 

A GAME OF CHESS. 

THE GUTTER OF TIME. 

A MAKER OF MEN. 

THE MAN ON THE KERB, 

A MARRIAGE HAS BEEN ARRANGED 

THE OPEN DOOR. 

MR. STEINMANNS CORNER 

THE SALT OF LIFE, 



THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF ERNEST DENNY. 




AlL-OF- A-SUDDE N 

Peggy;' 

A LIGHT COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 

BY 

ERNEST DENNY, 

Author of " Man Proposes " &c. 



PRICE ONE SHILLING AND SIXPENCE NET. 



The Fee for each Amateur representation of this 

Play is Five Guineas, payable in advance to 

.Samuel French, Limited, 26, Southampton Street, 

Strand, London. 

Copyrieht 1910 bjf Samuel French, Ltd. 



LONDON: 
SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 

PUBLISHERS 

26, SOUTHAMPTON ST. 

STRAND 



NEW YORK: 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

P U BLl SHER 
28, WEST 38th STREET 




[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED] 



ACTING RIGHTS. 



NOTICE. — ^The attention of those who take part in or 
organise dramatic representations, should be called to 
tlie law on copyright. All representations of copyright 
dramatic works are hable to fees, if either money or con- 
sideration be taken for admission, tickets sold, a collection 
made, or where any tlieatre, hall, or other place be hired 
for such purpose. It is absolutely necessary that the fees 
for plaj's should be paid in advance, and an authorised 
permission obta^ed, otherwise each person taking part, 
or causing such play to be represented, is severally liable 
to a penalty or damages, under 3rd and 4th William IV., 
c.15, sec. 2. By means of the telegraph, injunctions can be 
obtained to restrain performances, which, if ignored, would 
lead to the imprisonment of the offenders. Agents are 
appointed in all parts of the kingdom, and are authorised 
to collect fees on behaK of the various authors or proprietors, 
and are empowered to exact full penalties where fees have 
not been paid in advance. It is not necessary to have a 
printed notice on a play to the effect that it is copyright, 
although this is done in many instances. To save uselesat 
correspondence it must be strictly understood that nc| 
reduction can be made on account of a performance taking 
place for the benefit of a charity, or any other cause what- 
ever. Any information on this^ subject can be obtained 
by sending a stamped directed envelope to SAMUEIj 
FRENCH, Ltd., 26, Southampton Street, Strand, London^ 
Fees on the phys which S.French, Ltd., collects for must be 
paid by P.0.0. or cheque to the above address, or the authorised. 
Agents. \ 

The fees to Amateurs will be as follows, if paid in advance : — ' 

1 Act Pieces .. ... ». ... From 10s. 6d. to 42s. 

2 Acts .. — «. — .. » 15s. to 63s, 

3 Acts .. ^1s. to £5 5si 

BURLESQUES and OPERAS are charged as 3 Act Plays, j 

It is advisable to ascertain the correct amount before remitting! 
No fees ceux be refunded. • 

A Circular respecting the liability incurred in playing copyri^l 
dramatic works without permission can be had on application. ; 

TARIFF LIST POST FREE. 



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